Did you know that sleep deprivation is bad for your health?

Writing this I already feel sleepy. Why? I have been suffering from sleep deprivation since last year. Now it is the time to answer the most important questions and try to stop this.

Symptoms

Some symptoms are well-known: grumpiness, tiredness and drowsiness. You easily get irritated and struggle to focus. You make stupid mistakes and forget to do obvious things.

Other symptoms are:

• No interest in sex
• It is difficult to get up in the morning
• You need an alarm to wake up on time (you hit the snooze button repeatedly)
• Feel lethargic or drowsy in the afternoon.
• Have mood changes (including depressive thoughts)
• Have to take a nap in the afternoon

How much sleep do we need?

Usually we need from 7 to 9 hours of sleep everyday. If you don’t get that number regularly, you may become sleep deprived and see the above-mentioned symptoms. However, it is not only about the number, it is also about the quality of your sleep. Do you wake up during your sleep? Do you have problems falling asleep? Disruptions from light, noise or pain may cause you to spend less time in some stages of sleep, particularly deep sleep and REM sleep stages. Thus, you won’t have the rest you need.

If you feel like managing your sleep doesn’t work, we highly recommend visiting a doctor!

Consequences

So, instead of discussing the negative effects of NOT sleeping, let’s discuss the positive effects of SLEEPING ENOUGH!

It boosts immunity

If you get sick easily every month or so, consider sleeping more as it helps your immune system.

It improves your mood and well-being

Long-term sleep deprivation can cause depression and anxiety. Try to let yourself rest and sleep more. Get rid of all the gadgets about an hour before going to sleep, it will help you to relax.

It decreases your risk of diabetis

Lack of sleep (less than five hours a day) is one of the reasons that can lead to type 2 diabetis. So, make sure to sleep more!

It increases your libido

When you sleep enough, you tend to be more interested and active in sex.

It puts off heart desease

Lack of sleep increases heart-rate, blood pressure and some chemicals that may have negative effects on your heart.

It boosts fertility

Surprisingly, lack of sleep may make it difficult to conceive. If you have a similar problem, try to sleep more, it might help!

How to compensate?

The only way to stop sleep deprivation is to sleep more (and better).

• Try to eliminate all the factors that prevent your from sleeping. Isolate your bedroom from noise (yes, it may cost you quite a bit). Get a comfortable bed, matress and pillows. Make sure you have thick drapes to block the light coming from the outside.
• Put away your gadgets 1 hour before going to bed.
• Calm yourself down with herbal tea and soft music.
• Have a walk in the park.
• Take a bath.
• Meditate.
• Do not set an alarm when you have a day off. Let yourself sleep as much as you need!

If such things do not work, address a professional. A doctor may prescribe you some medicine to help you learn to relax and let go. Then it will get easier.