Surprising Lack of Sleep Effects On Your Body and Mind
High schools across the U.S. have changed their start times to after 8:00 a.m. Why? Because teens and young adults need 9 to 10 hours of sleep to learn effectively. The older we get, the less sleep we need. Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep a night. According to Donna Arand, clinical director of the Kettering Sleep Disorder Center, “People aren’t functioning fine with five or six hours of sleep.” Getting enough sleep benefits physical, mental, and emotional health. Without enough sleep, you may experience the following lack of sleep effects.
“Sleeping Beauty” is Based on Reality
Some aspects of beauty are skin deep. Getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis will improve your appearance. According to New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, skin makes new collagen while you sleep. Collagen repairs the skin and reduces wrinkles. With only 5 hours of sleep a night, skin gets drier. Blood flow to the skin increases during sleep.
Less sleep leads to dull skin and lifeless complexions. You can reduce dark circles and bags under your eyes with enough sleep. The dark circles result from poor blood circulation. Blood pools under your eyes and becomes visible. Dark circles under the eyes can also result from changes in skin pigmentation resulting from too-little sleep.
Lack of sleep even affects your hair and nails. Your hair grows while you sleep and gets minerals from your blood. Shortchange sleep time and hair doesn’t get the nutrition it needs to stay full and healthy.
Lack of Sleep Effects Include Inflammation
More sleep makes you healthier. Problems like sleep apnea can increase blood pressure and cause heart problems. Sleep apnea is associated with irregular heartbeats and a greater risk of stroke and diabetes.
Less sleep may lead to inflammation, an increase in proteins from our white blood cells. Inflammation is associated with some kinds of arthritis, and heart disease, stroke, and diabetes risks. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, muscle stiffness, and even fever and chills. A better night’s sleep can improve inflammation and symptoms.
Lack of Sleep Effects Include Weight Gain and Poor Fitness
If you’re trying to become more fit and lose weight, one of the best ways is to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep is strongly related to increased hunger, appetite, and obesity.
A 2004 study showed that people who slept six hours a night were 30% more likely to be obese than those who slept seven to nine hours. Losing sleep increases hunger hormones like ghrelin. With less sleep, your appetite isn’t just increased in general. Cravings for high-fat, high-carb foods increase, resulting in more weight gain potential.
Sleep also helps to preserve lean muscle mass and help our body to repair itself after a workout. Exercise and sleep are linked together. Getting enough exercise will help you get a good night’s sleep. Getting enough sleep helps you to maximize the benefits of your fitness and nutrition plans.
If you’ve experienced muscle pain and stiffness after working out or think you could be at risk, schedule a complimentary injury assessment. We can help you get the most out of your fitness program, including sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
