Lack of Sleep Can Have a variety of Health and Psychological Impacts.
It’s a fact that sleep is important and a lack thereof can take a toll on someone’s health. Not only does it have immediate effects on your mood and ability to function mentally, but can also lead to long-term health conditions. If you have less than seven hours of sleep, you are in short sleep territory which can lead to significant health impacts.
Short sleep vs. long-term sleep deprivation
In the case of short sleep syndrome, it is to be noted that there is a small group of people who can function with less than seven to eight hours of sleep each night without it affecting their health. As always, genetics play a crucial role in determining how much sleep a person needs and how they react to short sleep. However, this is not a common condition and most people will face negative side effects if they do not get enough sleep.
Insomnia and sleep deprivation can have significant implications for an individual’s health, leading to hormonal imbalances and issues related to heart health. There is also a direct link between short sleep and the risk of diabetes and other blood sugar-related problems. Insufficient sleep or chronic short sleep can contribute to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
Signs of short sleeping
Being aware of how much sleep you are getting each night can be instrumental in ensuring you address any issues in getting enough sleep. Some signs indicate that a person is not sleeping enough, include daytime drowsiness, forgetfulness, and mood disorders. Often, people who are short sleeping find it easy to fall asleep, which may indicate that they are sleep deprived in general.
Where to go from here
It’s never too late to make a change and address any issues with sleep. Making better sleep a priority is important and small adjustments can make a big difference. By focusing on overall wellness, reducing stress, and exercising during the day can contribute to better sleep habits. Slowly but surely, adjusting your sleep schedule can lead to an improvement in your overall health. It’s never too late to turn over a new leaf when it comes to getting better sleep.
