With deadlines to meet and places to be, we often get carried away the busyness of our everyday lives, leaving no time for sleep. Sleep is the best medication and there’s a reason why. Late nights can lead to a dysfunction in your system that can result in a myriad of health problems. While sleeping late and waking up early gives you more time to get things done, it is not great for you in the long run. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the average adult should get between 7-9 hours of sleep a day. Here a few harmful side effects from the lack of sleep.
- Weaker immune system- In order to keep from falling sick or catching an infection, your immune system needs to be as strong as possible. However, lack of sleep can compromise this as you feel tired, preventing the body from producing the required number of antibodies. The UCLA Cousins Center Research found that lack of sleep can cause the immune system to cause inflammation and tissue damage.
- Higher stress level- When you don’t get enough sleep and keep your mind active for an extended period of time, it causes the body to release a stress hormone called cortisol. The stress leads to a lack of sleep and the lack of sleep results in stress leading you down a vicious cycle. According to the National Sleep Foundation, over two-thirds of those surveyed blame their stress on lack of sleep. Hence, it is important to take time to unwind after a long day at work.
- Weight gain- Research has shown that lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. This may be because sleep deprivation can create a hormonal imbalance that can mess with your appetite. In a study published by the American Journal of Human Biology, lack of sleep can lead to excessive overeating.
- Higher risk of illness and disease- People who lack sleep are more likely to suffer from health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. A survey conducted among 54,000 people showed that individuals who had less than six hours of sleep were more prone to serious health problems.
Sleep is a vital factor in health, happiness, and productivity. Lack of sleep can lead to multiple issues with health, both physical and mental. For a happy life, adequate sleep is an essential criterion to fulfil.
