Getting enough sleep is something most people struggle with especially those working in busy offices or factories and those running businesses till late night. Also a great percentage of people in the informal sector are not exempt from this case. Sleep plays a crucial role in good health and well-being of our lives throughout. In fact getting enough quality sleep is essentially important as having a balanced diet and exercising.

Many find it hard to get enough sleep due to their family demands, work and unfavourable sleeping environments. Others stay woke late night to watch those fascinating television shows. A friend of mine once told me that that day he was so glued on the TV screen that he had slept at 4.am.

Maryann Taylor, experienced sleep consultant and the founder of The Sleep Works, specializes in developing personalized sleep plans  considering all factors that may be affecting one. Maryann warns depriving yourself of enough sleep can bring serious health concerns. The following are the health risks of insufficient sleep sustained over a period.

Daytime Sleepiness

One of the most common reasons for daytime sleepiness is simply not getting enough sleep at night. This leads to the person feeling drowsiness and a tendency to fall asleep during the daytime, even in inappropriate or inconvenient situations. Daytime sleepiness can leave a person without the energy to do things they want and cause problems at work.

Cognitive Impairment

One of the immediate and most noticeable effects of inadequate sleep is cognitive impairment. Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive functions such as concentration, memory consolidation, and problem-solving. Lack of adequate sleep can result in difficulties in focusing, memory lapses, decreased alertness, and impaired decision-making abilities. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can hinder academic and professional performance, affecting productivity and efficiency.

Mood and Emotional Disturbances

Sleep helps the body to properly produce and regulate levels of various hormones that play a significant role in regulating mood and emotional well-being. Sustained sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, mood swings, increased stress levels, anxiety, and feelings of sadness or depression. The emotional instability resulting from inadequate sleep can strain relationships, impact social interactions, and reduce overall quality of life.

Reduced Immune Function

Adequate sleep is vital for a robust immune system. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, proteins that play a crucial role in fighting infections and inflammation. Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections, illnesses, and chronic health conditions. Furthermore, prolonged inadequate sleep can impair the body’s ability to recover from illness, prolonging the duration and severity of illnesses.

Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases

Long-term sleep deprivation has been associated with an increased risk of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, regulating blood pressure, and balancing blood sugar levels. Chronic inadequate sleep can disrupt these processes, leading to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases and compromising overall health.

Weight Gain and Metabolic Imbalances

Inadequate sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones that regulate appetite, hunger, and metabolism. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and decreased levels of leptin, the satiety hormone, resulting in increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. Over time, these hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and metabolic disturbances, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

Impaired Motor Skills and Safety Risks

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining coordination, balance, and motor skills. Inadequate sleep can impair reaction times, coordination, and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and safety hazards. Whether driving a vehicle, operating machinery, or performing daily tasks, impaired motor skills resulting from sleep deprivation can pose significant risks to individuals and those around them.

How much sleep is enough?

The amount of sleep you require usually varies depending on your age and individual needs. The Sleep Health Foundation, Australia’s leading advocate for healthy sleep, recommends 9-11 hours for school age children, 8-10 for teens, 7-9 for adults aged 18-64 and 7-8 for older adults (65 and over).

Prioritizing sleep and adopting healthy sleep habits is essential for maintaining optimal health, performance, and overall quality of life. If one has been experiencing chronic sleep problems or inadequate sleep, they should consult a healthcare professional to identify underlying issues and develop a plan to improve their sleep habits and overall well-being.