5 Reasons Sleep Is Important

According to the World Economic Forum, 62% of adults across the world do not get enough sleep. Even with increasing knowledge of the effects of sleep deprivation on heart health and mental health, many more people continue to deprive themselves of sleep.

Lack of sleep causes weight gain, mental challenges, low immunity, and increased risk of developing chronic heart issues. That shows that poor sleep is a problem that requires immediate action to bring relief and correction. Here are the reasons why quality sleep is important:

Putting on Weight

A University of Colorado study put participants through a five-hour week-long sleep program. On average, the participants gained two pounds. Sleep deprivation affects the levels of the two weight management hormones in the body. It increases the secretion of ghrelin which causes the urge to eat more food more frequently.

Lack of sleep also hampers the release of leptin which is supposed to check uncontrollable appetite. Consequently, people who are sleep deprived experience an increased appetite and severe hunger pangs which lead to more eating and gaining weight gain.

Memory Problems

During the day, the brain gathers information from all the senses of the body. Then, all the information goes into permanent storage quarters in the brain during deep sleep. When one gets good quality sleep, consolidation is enhanced. As a result, it becomes easier to recall things. Lack of sleep hinders the ability to focus and retain this information in the brain. Conditions like sleep apnea can greatly impact sleep and memory. Many people use CPAP machines like those from CPAP Direct to help with sleep apnea, however, doctors’ advice is important.

Heart Issues

Long periods of deep sleep help the body to maintain low blood pressure and a slow heart rate for extended periods. Blood can then flow efficiently to remote areas of the body, providing nourishment and protection. Additionally, during deep sleep, blood flows out of the brain, and the cerebrospinal fluid flows in to flush out wastes.

Long-term sleep deprivation prevents blood from flowing to the peripheries of the body. That can result in clogging of the vessels and ultimately hypertension or possibly a stroke. Difficulty in sleeping keeps the heart pumping without rest. That causes higher blood pressure during the day, which is an ingredient for heart complications.

Mental Health Problems

Constant sleep deprivation opens the door for mental issues like depression and anxiety. The onset of these issues further affects the ability to get quality sleep. The result is a vicious cycle that leads deeper into mental illnesses. If you feel that your constant lack of sleep is negatively affecting your mental health, click here and get the support you deserve today.

Brain scans on people with an unresolved sleep debt show that the brain undergoes rewiring. The amygdala becomes less sensitive to external stimuli making the individual irritable and moody. The inability to manage emotions increases the risk of depression.

Poor quality sleep also decreases the ability to handle stressful situations. Little interruptions can quickly escalate into serious issues for people with sleep deprivation. Anxiety attacks are also more severe in individuals suffering from sleep disorders.

Immunity Issues

For years, bed rest continues to be a recommendation for treating the common cold. That is because good adequate sleep boosts the immune system to fight off infections. During sleep, the body secretes immunity-boosting proteins called cytokines, especially during an infection or inflammation.

Poor sleep can make one vulnerable to common viruses and also magnify the effect of diseases on the body. An impaired immunity system puts the body at risk of all kinds of infections, including chronic diseases.

Sleep deprivation affects glucose metabolism, and over a long time, impairs blood sugar regulation. That makes the body susceptible to diabetes. Weight gain from lack of sleep exposes one to even more significant risks of chronic heart problems.

Sleep deprivation is uniquely related to mental issues. It causes depression and anxiety, which worsens sleep disorders. Apart from mental diseases, lack of sleep is responsible for weight gain, low immunity, and high risk of heart complications. Good quality sleep strengthens brain functions and the ability to remember things. Quality sleep is a necessity, and anyone experiencing prolonged sleep deprivation should consult the doctor and try their best to restore proper sleeping patterns.