The Impact of Lack of Sleep
A lack of sleep can seriously harm people’s health. Last year, over 5,000 people died in car crashes caused by sleep deprivation. Even without accidents, not getting enough sleep slowly and negatively impacts a person’s life.
Nowadays, people often work long hours, leaving less time for adequate sleep. The high demands of modern work are making unhealthy sleep routines more common. Another unhealthy habit is spending extra hours at the gym at the expense of sleep. While exercise is beneficial, science shows that getting enough sleep is just as crucial.
When you sleep, your body starts to heal and regenerate. Your cells repair themselves, and numerous processes take place. For example, a study in 2013 found that mice had increased brain waste removal during sleep, clearing out potentially Alzheimer’s-triggering toxins. This waste is then carried away by the blood and removed from the body.
Your brain processes the day’s activities during sleep, creating and retaining memories. This process helps relax your mind, improving your mood when you wake up. This is why we feel happier and more content after a good night’s sleep.
During sleep, certain organs release hormones that promote growth and development. The hypothalamus is particularly important, as it triggers other glands in the endocrine system to produce hormones needed for growth and to fight off infections.
As mentioned, sleep helps the brain eliminate toxic substances. Lack of sleep increases the risk of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. Stress also builds up if the brain doesn’t get enough rest to process positive experiences and de-stress.
Your immune system fights off infections and releases cytokines during sleep to target leftover bacteria and viruses. Without enough sleep, cytokine production drops, allowing bacteria and viruses to spread, making sleep-deprived individuals more prone to sickness.
INCREASING YOUR SLEEP THROUGH NAPS OR BY SLEEPING LONGER AT NIGHT CAN HELP KEEP YOU HEALTHY.
The endocrine system releases hormones during sleep that aid bodily growth and development. Disruptions or sudden waking at night can hinder hormone production, especially in children who need adequate sleep for muscle mass building and tissue repair.
The cardiovascular system, which pumps blood throughout the body, is also affected by sleep deprivation. Conditions like atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) can lead to serious issues like aneurysms or strokes. High blood pressure, diabetes, and other lifestyle-related diseases also rise with lack of sleep.
Sleep is essential for everyone. It allows the body to rest and heal damaged tissues and cells. Unfortunately, today’s work demands often lead to unhealthy sleep habits, and this trend is becoming worrisome. People are starting to accept these bad habits as normal to fit more into their day.
BEING BUSY AT THE EXPENSE OF SLEEP AND TRUE RELAXATION IS NOT HEALTHY.
As a result, many develop conditions like diabetes, weakened immunity, and hormonal imbalances. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
Stay tuned for a follow-up article on how to improve your sleep.
