Not getting enough sleep each night can affect mental and emotional health, as well as physical well-being. Getting adequate sleep is important to all facets of a healthy and happy life, which is why it is vitally important to address sleep issues before they become serious problems.
Physical effects of sleep deprivation
There is no shortage of negative physical effects that may be experienced if you do not get enough sleep. Here are just a few of the long-term health issues that can result from sleep deprivation.
Too little sleep could boost your risk of developing cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and pervasive inflammation. Individuals who are suffering from sleep deprivation also tend to put on excess weight. This happens for a variety of reasons, including the increase in fat storage and the release of excess insulin.
Maybe not the effects that pops in mind at first, but it is not unusual for fertility levels to drop as a result of sleep deprivation. This happens when the production of the sex hormones needed to conceive is altered. Besides a lower sex drive your hormone balance can be thrown into chaos if you are not getting sufficient sleep. This includes the suppression of growth hormones and testosterone and the increase in the release of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Emotions and sleep
Sleep deprivation can affect nearly every facet of mental health. Those who are sleep deprived often perform poorly at school or on the job. This consistent lack of rest can also increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Research has also demonstrated that there is a greater chance of negative emotional responses if you are not getting the recommended amount of rest for your age and lifestyle. Similarly, sleep deprivation can also decrease the chance of a positive emotional response when life is going well. By muting the normal emotions of life, lack of sleep can boost impulsive responses and negatively affect mental health.
Recognize sleep deprivation
You do not need to track your sleep to know that you are not getting enough shuteye each night. There are a number of reasons to suspect that you’re not getting enough sleep. The most obvious symptom of sleep deprivation is fatigue. This goes beyond the common bouts of fatigue that you may feel from time to time. Extreme fatigue can make you more irritable and prone to mood changes.
Those who are not getting enough sleep each night may also experience a reduced sex drive. Difficulty concentrating and focusing on the task at hand is also a sign that sleep needs are not being met. Having issues recalling memories and facts is another cause for concern.
Source: www.chronobiology.com
