If you have spent even a single night tossing & turning without sleep, you will know how it feels the next day. Today’s lifestyle has gifted many people sleepless nights. Even if we know that 7-8 hours of sleep is a must for overall physical and mental health, many of us fail to achieve it. Mostly less hours of sleep make you feel groggy and grumpy, and long-term effects of sleep deprivation are hazardous. It actually drains your mental ability and puts your physical health at risk. Even sleep deprivation weakens your immune system and leads to weight gain.
Causes of Sleep Deprivation:
Sleep deprivation is caused by consistent lack of sleep or reduced quality of sleep. Taking less than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis can slowly lead to health consequences as well.
Body requires sleep, as it needs food and oxygen to function it’s best. During sleep, the body heals itself and restores its chemical balance. During sleep the cleansing system of our brain called the Glymphatic System works properly and removes all wastes from our brain. Sound sleep helps in improving concentration, and memory retention. It also boosts creativity and the power of imagination. Without adequate sleep, mind and body won’t function normally, and lowers the quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation:
The signs and symptoms of sleep deprivation include:
- Frequent yawning
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Daytime fatigue
- Excessive sleepiness
- Impaired memory
- Reduced stamina
- Decreased immunity
Impact on immune System
Sleep deprivation holds back your immune system from working properly, which gradually leads your body to become more prone for sickness & taking longer time for recovery from illness. While sleeping, our immune system produces protective substances like antibodies and cytokines. The body uses these substances to combat foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
Impact on Respiratory System
Your physical health can be damaged after a few years of sleep deprivation. It can affect your lungs and respiratory system as well. Weak immunity can make someone more vulnerable to respiratory infections, and if anyone has chronic lung disease, it can worsen the condition further.
Impact on Cardiovascular System
Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of stroke. Several studies have found that sleep deprivation leads to increased blood pressure. Also, even half a night of sleep loss has been reported to increase BP in patients with hypertension or prehypertension.
Impact on Digestive System
Sleep deprivation can make you feel tired and unwilling to exercise as well, which leads to obesity. Sleep affects Leptin and Ghrelin hormone levels in the body which control feelings of hunger and fullness. Sleep deprivation also causes your body to release less insulin after eating, and also lowers the body’s tolerance for glucose and is associated with insulin resistance. These disturbances can lead to diabetes mellitus and obesity.