The Consequences Of Lack Of Sleep

I’m here to talk about sleep. Are you getting enough? How’s your sleep quality? What happens if you don’t get proper shut-eye?

Sleep is something you simply cannot take for granted. No matter where you are in life, if you are not sleeping as you should, it’s going to impact you. You’ll feel fatigued. You’ll be less productive. You’ll likely be moody. Chances are, you’ve experienced all of the above.

But what you might not realize is what’s happening on a cellular level. When you aren’t sleeping enough, changes in your body start taking place – big changes that impact your biochemistry.

For instance, you become insulin resistant. This then means you aren’t able to deal with incoming carbohydrates as well as you should. This could, in fact, set you up for the development of diabetes.

You also may see that your triglyceride level shoots up, as well as your cholesterol level. Those who aren’t sleeping enough typically have higher risk factors for heart disease compared to those who do sleep well.

Some may also notice that their weight starts climbing. Lack of sleep will cause a decrease in your resting metabolic rate and may also cause increased levels of food cravings. Thus, you eat more and gain weight.

Finally, lack of sleep also weakens your immune system. So, if you are exposed to bacteria or a virus, you may be more prone to falling ill because of it.

All of these can occur simply because you’re not devoting enough care and attention to how much sleep you are getting. It really is the fountain of youth, so to speak. Those who don’t sleep enough notice they age a lot faster and simply don’t have the energy to enjoy life as they should.

You should be aiming to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, if not 8 or possibly even 9. Remember that everyone’s sleep needs differ. Some people need more than others, so learn what your own body requires and then start working hard to give it the sleep it needs.

It’ll serve you well.