Daily Health Tips - Healthy Living Column
4 Dangers Of Sleeplessness – See What Sleep Deprivation Can Do To You
Long Term Negative Side Effect Of Lack Of Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can keep your body out of balance and cause unexpected health conditions.
This common bad habit can weaken your immune system, contribute to weight gain and reduce your sex drive.
It has also been reported to contribute to car accidents, diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancers.
Here are 5 dangers that come along with inadequate sleep.
Deadly Diseases
Sleeplessness can make your risk of getting the following diseases higher.
Stroke, Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Diabetes
Fatal Accidents Or On The Job Injuries
In one study, workers who complained about excessive daytime sleepiness had significantly more work accidents, particularly repeated work accidents. They also had more sick days per accident.
Forgetfulness
In 2009, American and French researchers determined that brain events called “sharp wave ripples” are responsible for consolidating memory. The ripples also transfer learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex of the brain, where long-term memories are stored. Sharp wave ripples occur mostly during the deepest levels of sleep.
Depression And Mood Swing
In the long run, lack of sleep can contribute to the symptoms of depression. In a 2005 Sleep in America poll, people who were diagnosed with depression or anxiety were more likely to sleep less than six hours at night.
Aging
Most people have experienced sallow skin and puffy eyes after a few nights of missed sleep. But it turns out that chronic sleep loss can lead to lackluster skin, fine lines, and dark circles under the eyes. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol. In excess amounts, cortisol can break collagen and cause aging.
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin smooth and youthful.