Do you ever wonder what are the risks and negative effects you can get from sleep deprivation? Well, this article will give you answers! This article will tackle the six health risks you can get from a lack of sleep and give you tips on how to fix them.
If you’re someone who intentionally sleeps late or is struggling with insomnia, this place is the right thing for you to read. Having an adequate amount of sleep is crucial and essential for humans to have an improved body system and enhanced cognitive function. But with poor sleep, this can have a negative impact.
Insomnia is the most common sleeping disorder. In fact, research has found that about 70 million Americans, or approximately 33% to 50%, of Americans, are estimated to be affected each year, while 23.8% of teenagers are insomniacs. There are a lot of factors that cause sleep deprivation, and here are some of them:
- Mental problems (such as stress, anxiety, and depression)
- Uncomfortable sleeping environment (noisy background, poor bed, room not on preferred temperature)
- Work or school schedules
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits
- Eating too much
- Irregular/unhealthy bedtime schedule
If you’re having trouble trying to achieve a healthy sleep schedule, there are numerous ways to fix that. You can change your lifestyle habits by reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, setting up a comfortable bed, implying a strict sleep schedule, or taking sleep medicines such as CBD gummies for sleep.
Here are the six risks you can get from chronic (long-term) and acute (short-term) insomnia:
1. Memory Loss and Poor Concentration.
Research has confirmed that sleep loss can result in poor brain performance. Lack of sleep or sleeping too late at night for a long time can result in memory lapses. Sufficient sleep allows the brain to produce connections; thus, insomnia can affect your hippocampus, which is the key to learning and remembering. So, if you’re struggling with insomnia, you might wonder why there are certain moments in your life that you can’t seem to remember. Well, you know the answer!
Experts have also found that sleep deprivation is also linked to poor concentration. Insomnia can lead to decreased alertness and focus, thus making it difficult to perform effectively at school or work.
2. Mood Shifts.
People who lack sleep are found by research to have more tendencies to get irritated, confused, angry, and frustrated. As sleep deprivation increases, the positive mood decreases, leading to the desire to isolate or disconnect. Insomnia can also make you quick-tempered and emotional, which may eventually lead to further mental problems.
3. Weakened Immune System.
We all know that having a sufficient amount of sleep can build a stronger immune system, which can protect your body from acquiring illnesses. However, with lack of sleep can weaken it and even increase the chances of getting diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, and Alzheimer’s disease. It also weakens your protection from viruses and germs. Thus, you’ll most likely become sick often if you lack sleep.
4. Poor Balance.
Restlessness can also result in poor coordination and can affect your balance; thus, this can make you more at risk of accidents and falling. Especially when you’re driving, make sure that you have acquired a sufficient amount of sleep to avoid drowsiness and dizziness and to be protected from car accidents. Due to poor balance caused by sleep deprivation, you might also be prone to physical injuries.
5. Risk of High Sugar Levels.
People who suffer from insomnia are found to be more prone to diabetes. Since lack of sleep reduces the production of insulin, which is a sugar-lowering hormone, this can also reduce your protection from acquiring high levels of sugar. Thus, the risk of getting diabetes might be high.
6. Risk of High Blood Pressure.
The risks of acquiring high blood pressure are also high when you’re an insomniac. Especially if your daily sleep duration is below 5 hours, you’re most likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can eventually lead to serious diseases such as heart disease, stress, and an unproductive lifestyle.
Here are some of the tips to fix your sleep schedule:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Having a comfortable sleeping environment
- Exercising
- Reducing caffeine consumption
- Meditation
- Following a strict sleep schedule
