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Lack of Sleep Will Impact a Person's Health

Risks of Not Getting Good Sleep

By Paisley HansenPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Many people may have work situations or other things occurring in their life that will cause them to experience insufficient sleep. It has been estimated that over 30 percent of people don't get a sufficient amount of sleep. This often results in more than just an inability to focus or being in a bad mood. Being deprived of sleep over an extended period of time can result in a person experiencing harm to their physical health and more.

Lack of Sleep: Short-Term Effects

When a person misses just an hour and a half of sleep, it can cause them to have a lack of alertness. It can also increase the chances of them being in a vehicle accident when driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), people driving drowsy cause thousands of accidents annually. People can also be too tired to engage in their regular daily activities. Individuals who have a lack of sleep struggle to remember, think as well as process information. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on relationships. Tired individuals are often moody and easily have a conflict with other people.

Chronic Sleep Deprivation

When a person experiences chronic sleep deprivation, it will decrease their mental performance as well as alertness. This can result in a person experiencing various health and life problems.

Increased Inflammatory Markers: Studies have shown a possible connection between a person developing cardiovascular disease and chronic sleep deprivation. The studies have shown reduced sleep causes a person to have elevated blood markers associated with inflammation.

Obesity: There is an increased risk of a person developing obesity. A study of research performed in 2008 showed people who have a lack of sleep are often obese. One study showed young men who did not have enough sleep experienced a change in hormones associated with their appetite.

Weaker Immune System: Another study showed individuals with sleep deprivation experience a decrease in the creation of antibodies. Individuals who don't get enough sleep are at a greater risk of developing a cold and more.

Depression and Anxiety: It has been shown that regular insufficient sleep is associated with people having an increased risk of depression, anxiety or both.

Cardiovascular Disease: During a study, over 490 people who were in good health used a wrist device to measure their sleep. The study showed individuals who slept more had a decreased chance of developing significant calcification of their arteries. Another study of more than 19,000 adults who experienced less than 7 hours of sleep a night had an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Required Sleep

In order to function properly during the day, a person will need to have an average of 8 hours of good-quality sleep each night. There are people who need more sleep, but there are also people who can function with slightly lower amounts of sleep. A person needs to find out what amount of sleep works best for them.

Medical Help

It is not uncommon for people to have an occasional lack of sleep. This is not something that will impact their health. When a person begins to experience regular sleepless nights, it could be a problem. Should there come a time when a person is concerned if they are suffering from chronic sleep deprivation, it may be time to discuss the situation with a medical professional.

Resolving Sleep Issues

There are some things a person can do to resolve their issues with getting a good night's sleep. Experts recommend eliminating or significantly reducing the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine as well as stimulants. Sleeping comfortably such as on a talalay latex mattress will also help with sleep. Others recommend a person exercise regularly as well as clear their mind before going to bed and more.

It is possible for many people to struggle with sleep over a period of time. Getting the right amount of sleep can help a person perform at their best during the day. It has been established that regularly not getting a sufficient amount of sleep can have a negative impact on a person’s health.

Lack of Sleep: Short-Term Effects

When a person misses just an hour and a half of sleep, it can cause them to have a lack of alertness. It can also increase the chances of them being in a vehicle accident when driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), people driving drowsy cause thousands of accidents annually. People can also be too tired to engage in their regular daily activities. Individuals who have a lack of sleep struggle to remember, think as well as process information. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on relationships. Tired individuals are often moody and easily have a conflict with other people.

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About the Creator

Paisley Hansen

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

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