Is Lack of Sleep Harmful to Your Health?
Are restless nights becoming a familiar pattern for you? "Sleep is the cornerstone of good health," emphasizes Nadeem Chishti MD, a pulmonologist and sleep specialist at PIH Health. "For adults, aiming for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night is crucial."
The aftermath of missed sleep manifests as grogginess throughout the following day, leading to a noticeable lack of focus and concentration. You might find yourself sporting under-eye bags or experiencing redness in your eyes. While it's common for many people to occasionally miss the mark on recommended sleep hours, consistently falling short on sleep can pose surprising health challenges:
Heart issues – Insufficient sleep has the potential to elevate blood pressure and heighten the risk of heart disease. Fatigue often paves the way for unhealthy habits, including a lack of exercise, poor dietary choices, and heightened stress levels, all of which can detrimentally impact heart health. Additionally, inadequate sleep may contribute to increased inflammation in the body, further exacerbating the risk of heart disease.
Increased risk for diabetes – Lack of rest can heighten your risk of developing diabetes by elevating your insulin resistance. Fatigue from sleep loss can also trigger increased feelings of hunger, leading to the consumption of inappropriate foods the following day. Managing diabetes or prediabetes becomes more challenging under these circumstances.
Weakened immune system – Your immune system serves as your body's shield against viruses and bacteria. However, insufficient sleep can compromise this defense mechanism, weakening your immune response and rendering you more susceptible to illness.
Weight gain – Insufficient sleep can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones responsible for feelings of hunger and fullness. This imbalance may contribute to overeating and subsequent weight gain.
Memory, concentration, and problem-solving issues – When you sleep, your brain forges connections crucial for retaining new information, influencing both short-term and long-term memory. Inadequate sleep can disrupt this process, making it challenging to concentrate and solve problems effectively.
Mood changes – Lack of sufficient sleep can make it hard for our brain to control emotions, resulting in more irritability, mood swings, and difficulty handling stress. Long-term sleep deprivation can disturb the balance of brain chemicals, increasing the risk of developing or worsening depression and anxiety disorders.
Talk with your physician if you are having trouble sleeping. Visit PIHHealth.org/Doctors
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