Sleep is one of the most important mechanisms needed by your body in order to achieve optimal health. During the period of rest, your body’s cells regenerate and improve your brain’s overall function. Certain conditions like stress, insomnia, and drinking too much coffee can contribute to lack of sleep which can ultimately affect your health in long run.
Here are some consequences that sleep deprivation can bring:
- Depression
Lack of sleep results to feelings of irritability and moodiness which can affect a person’s emotional state. In some cases, people who are unable to sleep no matter how hard they try may suffer from depression which only becomes worse if they sleep too little or sleep too much. If you suspect this is the case, consider seeking counseling from experts like TG Psychology.
- Heart disease
While the link is not yet firmly established, several studies have shown a link between lack of sleep and heart disease specifically its effect on blood pressure and heart rate. When you are sleep deprived, your heart rate stays elevated essentially adding more stress and affecting the quality of your blood vessels.
- Decreased cognitive function
Sleep deprivation affects the brain’s cognitive function, resulting in forgetfulness, clouded judgment, and inability to retain information which enable you to learn. When you lack sleep, your body is unable to generate new cells that enables stronger functioning which affects the quality of your memories and experiences throughout the day.
- Lack of intimacy
Several sleep specialists report that a number of sleep-deprived men and women experience lower libidos and a decreased interest in intimacy. The reason for this is because lack of sleep lessen one’s energy levels, making them less inclined to get into physical intimacy which can affect their relationships with their significant other.
- Ageing appearance
Sleep deprivation can lead to sallow skin appearance and puffy eyes that make you look older than you really are. When a person lacks sleep, their body releases cortisol also known as the stress hormone that breaks down collagen, the component responsible for keeping your skin firm and elastic. Lack of sleep can affect proper blood circulation, depriving oxygen from being regulated in certain areas of your face and body.
- Increased weight gain
Lack of sleep creates insulin resistance, a risk factor relevant to diabetes and heart disease. It also affects peptides in the body, specifically ghrelin which stimulates hunger, and leptin which suppresses appetite. When a person lacks sleep, the levels of leptin decrease while ghrelin levels increase, making a person hungrier and more likely to binge on unhealthy foods, leading to weight gain and in some cases, obesity.
How to fix it
Fortunately, it’s never too late to fix your sleeping pattern. While certain conditions like insomnia and depression may require professional help, learning how to enhance the quality of your sleep can make it easier for one to rest well with a better state of mind. For a better sleeping experience, consider adapting these few tips:
- Establish a strict sleep schedule. Set a schedule that dictates what time you should sleep and what time you should wake up. Make sure to aim to get 6-8 hours of sleep.
- Limit your caffeine intake before bed. Caffeine is a stimulant which can keep you up longer for periods of time. Before sleeping, stick to water if you are thirsty.
- Turn off all gadgets. The distracting light from your mobile devices enable you to keep your eyes open, making you delay your sleeping time. Coupled with a strict schedule, keep your phone away from within arm’s reach.
- Change your environment. Consider investing in materials that help you become more conducive to sleep. This may include using air conditioners, humidifiers, and white noise machines that lull you to bed.
In many cases, the number of stress a person experiences in their daily lives contribute to their lack of sleep. In order to help one sleep faster, one must make sure their environment is relaxing and stress-free for a better sleeping experience. If you suspect a serious condition, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible for immediate treatment.
Final Thoughts
When left neglected, sleep deprivation can lead to a myriad of problems. Aside from physical and psychological consequences, many people who suffer from sleeping conditions can even pose as a threat to others. For example, if a person who works as a heavy machine operator falls asleep during his job, he is most likely going to get into an accident that will not only endanger himself but the people around him. The number of risks increases gradually which can do more harm than anticipated.
this article is really helpful to anyone, thankyou for sharing.