Many of us agree that more sleep each night would be welcomed.
Most people fail to obtain the recommend amount of sleep each night and while we try to make up for the zzz’s that we miss on the weekends and at other times, it is not quite the same.
It is recommended that adults obtain 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Many adults report sleeping 7 or fewer hours per night.
This lack of sleep can lead to a number of problems. When severe sleep deprivation develops, the consequences can be even more devastating.
What is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is the act of depriving yourself of the needed sleep each night. Most people are not intentionally doing this, however, with busy lifestyles, anxiety, insomnia, and other issues affecting them, it happens.
Although some people fail to get the necessary amount of sleep per night every now and again, for some people it is a way of life. They get fewer than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis.
Anyone can suffer from sleep deprivation if they’re not getting enough shut eye each night. Men and women of all ages are affected, but it is typically a concern brought on with anxiety or with age.
Although many people think that a lack of sleep causes only temporary issues such as irritability and grogginess, the troubles of sleep deprivation go much further than this.
Let’s look at the symptoms of sleep deprivation a bit deeper so you can fully understand the consequences a lack of sleep is causing to your body.
Sleep Deprivation Symptoms
As mentioned, irritability and grogginess are two of the most common symptoms that sleep deprivation brings with it.
When you are tired, you’re just not yourself. Every little thing seems to aggravate you and a short temper (until you’ve rested better) is oftentimes noted.
Thanks to the grogginess that you feel you might not want to get out of the bed and if you do, you sure do not want to do anything even close to physical activity. More serious issues may also result with a lack of sleep as well.
Some of these consequences may already be well-known or they might actually come as a surprise to you. Either way it is important that you understand the symptoms of sleep deprivation fully.
Increased Accident Risk
According to numerous studies, sleep deprivation is responsible for an increased number of accidents because it can mimic the symptoms of driving drunk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 100,000 accidents each year that are caused, in part, by sleep deprivation.
Accidents at work are also more common when an individual lacks sleep.
Decreased Sex Drive
This is another big reason to get more sleep: if you don’t, you may suffer from a loss of libido, which also decreases your sex drive and desire.
This affects you as well as your partner and may be devastating to your relationship and your mentality!
Loss of Intelligence
Sleep is vital for regular functioning in your life. When you haven’t obtained the needed rest each night, your cognitive process is harmed and you are less apt to give smart answers to questions and may have trouble concentrating or paying attention.
In addition, lack of sleep also affects your ability to reason and your problem solving skills.
Health Problems
Many studies show relationships to many health problems when you are not sleeping enough at night. Reported increased risks of the following conditions have been noted:
- Heart Disease
- Stroke
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Heart Failure
- Heart Attack
- Diabetes
It is also important to note that patients who suffer from insomnia often also suffer from another health related condition, such as one listed above.
Individuals who are not getting enough sleep each night are also at an increased risk of developing a mental health disorder, such as depression.
A study conducted in 2005 found that people who sleep six hours or less each night are more likely to also suffer from depression and/ or anxiety.
Oftentimes these conditions need medical intervention to overcome, but prevention is the best cure.
Getting more sleep each night is one awesome way to help minimize your risk for developing this condition.
Skin Aging
You want your looks to match your age but if you are not sleeping enough each night, your skin may age more quickly than normal and you may find that you look older than you should.
Puffy eyes, dark circles under the eyes and sallow skin are all signs of sleep deprivation.
It doesn’t take weeks or months for these signs of aging to show, either. Just a few nights without proper sleep and your skin is suffering.
Weight Gain
Many people struggle with their weight and they certainly don’t want to do anything to add on any extra pounds.
So, if you want to lose weight or even maintain your current weight, you’ll need to ensure that you are getting the needed amount of sleep each night because this may very well cause you to pack on the pounds.
According to a 2004 study, individuals that get less than 6 hours of sleep each night are 30% more likely to suffer from weight gain and/ or obesity. The cause?
You’re likely to eat more if you are tired due to an increase in the peptides that regulate the appetite.
Final Thoughts
If you are not getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night it is time to start looking for ways to improve your sleep habits.
Without the proper amount of sleep each night, your body suffers greatly and any of the above symptoms may interfere with your livelihood. Do not take any chances and sleep soundly each night.
The activities you have planned in your life are so very important without question, but it is even more important that you are the best you. This starts with getting the right amount of rest each night.
Reference:
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss
http://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body