Sleep: no human can live without it. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get around seven to nine hours of sleep per night. For some, this may not be possible. With the stress of everyday life, and increasing reliance on stimulants like caffeine, the ability to fall asleep and get the recommended hours has become difficult. While there are short term effects that are noticeable, lack of sleep can have a profound impact on long-term health. Therefore, what are some of these consequences, and what can you do to get more sleep at night?
Reasons for Lack of Sleep
There is no doubt that today’s everyday life is much more fast-paced than in the past. People scramble at their jobs, worry about payments, and more. It is no wonder that stress has become almost an everyday concept for many people. Stress is one of the main reasons people get a lack of sleep. Aside from stress, sleep deprivation could also stem from an underlying sleep disorder.
No matter the cause, a lack of sleep can negatively affect your body, not only hurting you in the present but also in the long term.
Short-term Consequences for Lack of Sleep
After one or even a few restless nights unable to sleep, you may get a feeling of irritability, grogginess, and fatigue. Most people can relate to these sentiments, as an uncomfortable night with minimal sleep can leave you feeling drowsy. These short-term consequences can negatively affect your mood and your work performance for the day.
These consequences can also take effect on things outside of your control. Drowsiness can lead to more car accidents and a loss of memory. Lack of sleep can also lead to relationship stress and a more negative outlook on life.
Long-term Consequences for Lack of Sleep
A lot of people may already understand the short-term effects of a lack of sleep. However, you may not know about long-term health problems.
If you consistently do not get enough sleep, you could experience some issues like weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and a shorter life expectancy.
When you sleep, your body’s immune system builds special substances that help combat bacteria and viruses. If you do not get adequate sleep regularly, then you may see lower productivity in your immune system.
Sleep deprivation can cause noticeable changes in your body weight- either weight gain or weight loss. People typically see weight gain because they find themselves too tired to exercise. Sleep also helps produce substances, like insulin, that assist in successful digestion. A lack of insulin can also lead to weight gain.
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
No matter if you have a sleep disorder or find yourself too distracted to sleep, every human needs adequate sleep every night. Here are some ways to help you get back to a healthy sleeping pattern. If you find that nothing is working for you, consider seeing a sleep specialist.
One way to help you sleep is to get into a routine. Create a bedtime routine that you follow each night so that you can get into a groove. You should participate in soothing activities that can ease your mind- reading and having a bath are great options.
Exercise is a crucial element in having a healthy lifestyle. It is no wonder that exercise can also help you sleep regularly at night. Not only does physical activity release happy hormones that boost your mood and relieve stress, but it is also a great way to make you feel tired at the end of the day.
Managing stress is also an essential part of falling asleep at night. Many people who have sleeping issues attribute the problem to stress. To lower stress, you can meditate, exercise, or go to professional therapy.
Other ways to help you get a good night’s sleep regularly is to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, try not to use electronic devices before falling asleep, and limiting your caffeine intake.
Conclusion
With a busy lifestyle, there can be many reasons not to sleep. However, sleep is an essential part of being healthy and being human. So, take care of yourself and seek out professional help if needed.
Currently residing in Arizona, John shares his home with two beloved pets - a very cute dog and a cat. Although they don't always see eye-to-eye, John's furry companions bring him joy and inspiration, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships.
With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, John is a true asset to the counselingreviews.com team. Whether he's writing about the latest research on mental health or offering practical advice for managing stress, John's expertise and insight are always in high demand.
If you're looking for well-researched and informative content that can help you improve your mental and emotional well-being, be sure to check out John's articles on counselingreviews.com. His writing is sure to provide you with the guidance and inspiration you need to overcome life's challenges and achieve your goals.
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