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Effects of Sleeping on Health

Nearly 70 percent of Americans may not be getting enough sleep at night, according to a study by the Better Sleep Council. How much is enough? Many experts recommend at least seven and a half to eight hours of sleep each night, though some individuals may need more or less. With a demanding schedule involving work, school, family or friends, you might be tempted to blow off some sleep just to take some time for yourself. Don't make this a habit. Getting less sleep than your body needs can have consequences for both your physical and mental health.

  1. Immune System

    • Getting a proper amount of sleep will help keep your immune system functioning properly. Sleep deprivation may reduce your immune system and leave you more susceptible to illness, such as the flu. Lack of sleep can also increase your risk of developing more severe health problems. This is because sleep deprivation can put stress on your brain and your body, increasing your blood pressure. This increase can lead to heart disease. The energy lost by consistent lack of sleep can also impair your body's ability to process sugars, a condition that may ultimately lead to diabetes.

    Weight Gain

    • According to the Better Sleep Council, individuals who slept more than eight hours a night were more likely than others to exercise during the day. Higher energy allows you to work out more frequently and with more intensity, which can help keep weight gain to a minimum. Sleep deprivation can also cause imbalance in your body's levels of the hormones, leptin and ghrelin. These are the hormones responsible for making you feel full after a meal or hungry when you haven't eaten. Leptin levels drop with less sleep, meaning you may eat more before feeling satisfied. On the flip side, ghrelin levels rise and your appetite will increase. Sleep deprivation can cause overeating and unhealthy weight gain.

    Attention

    • Lack of sleep impairs your ability to focus. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 56,000 traffic deaths are caused each year by drowsy drivers. Getting too little sleep can impair your ability to think clearly and cause you to become inattentive. This is dangerous while driving. It may also affect your performance at work or school, making you more likely to make mistakes.

    Mood

    • Sleep has psychological as well as physical effects. If you are sleep-deprived, you may be irritable, sad or even angry. You lose your ability to respond well to stressful situations. Sleep deprivation can even lead to hormonal and chemical imbalances in your brain, which can lead to anxiety disorders or depression. Ironically, emotional distress can also affect your ability to sleep. This cycle makes it difficult to maintain a sense of emotional and psychological well-being.

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