Student Under Exam Pressure Takes 'Anti Sleep' Pills, Gets Blood Clot

A student of class 10 in Lucknow has undergone major brain surgery after suffering a blood clot allegedly caused by an overdose of "anti-sleep" pills taken during her board exams. The incident has sparked concerns about the immense pressure students face and the potential dangers of sacrificing health for academic performance.

The young girl reportedly consumed excessive amounts of these unregulated pills in an attempt to stay awake and study longer. This resulted in a serious medical condition requiring surgery to remove the blood clot. While recovering, the full extent of any lasting effects on her remains unclear.

Indian Student Undergoes Brain Surgery After Taking 'Anti Sleep' Pills

As per the reports by ANI, with the CBSE Board underway, many students are resorting to anti-sleep drugs to stay awake late at night to study, which alters their sleep cycle extremely. 

This unhealthy lifestyle is adversely affecting their health and raising questions over the legality and dispensation of these drugs which remains a pressing issue. 

In the recent incident mentioned above, the girl had been staying up all night to prepare for her board examinations while her mother used to provide her with cups of coffee to stay awake. One evening, after studying all night, Prajakta collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a brain clot. 

It was then that her parents discovered her intake of the 'anti-sleeping' pills that they found in her drawer, which they handed over to the doctors. The parents also acknowledged their unawareness of their daughter's intake of 'anti-sleeping' pills and the amount of pressure she was under.

A West Bengal-based senior surgeon Dr Sneha Shah told SheThePeople that these pills can cause major disorders in the future considering they are only used to treat certain diseases and carry elements that are harmful for the human brain.

Why Do We Need Urgent Dialogue On Exam Pressure On Indian Students?

Prajakta's case highlights the intense pressure students in India experience during high-stakes exams like board examinations. With competition fierce and societal expectations high, some students resort to unhealthy and potentially dangerous measures to boost their performance. 

There is a dire need to call for a multi-pronged approach to address this issue with open dialogue towards mental health with having discussions about stress, anxiety, and depression caused by examinations at schools and homes, promoting realistic expectations from students by shifting from an exam-centric approach to valuing holistic development and diverse skills and raising awareness about the dangers of unregulated medications and strengthening regulations to prevent misuse. 

Prajakta's story is a call for action. We must collectively prioritise student well-being by addressing the root causes of exam pressure, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and fostering a supportive and understanding environment. Let this incident serve as a turning point, where academic success is pursued without compromising mental and physical health.

Views expressed are the author's own.