As we face new challenges such as Omicron, it is more important than ever to prioritise health. If you eat well and exercise regularly but don’t get at least seven hours of sleep every night, you may experience serious health issues. As a result, it’s critical that you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep to recharge your batteries. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems. It has a direct impact on memory and can also cause issues such as anger and mood swings. We’ll go over the top 5 health issues that can arise as a result of a lack of sleep.
1. MENTAL HEALTH
Sleep and mental health are inextricably linked. Sleep deprivation has an impact on one’s mental health and psychological state. In addition, people who have mental health issues are more likely to suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders. Patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders etc. Sleep deprivation depletes mental abilities and puts your physical health at risk. As a result, getting at least 8 hours of sleep is critical. Also, people with mental health issues should try to stick to their sleep schedule in order to avoid diseases like depression and anxiety.
2. HEART PROBLEMS
According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, more than 1.17 lakh people were at risk of developing serious heart problems as a result of lack of sleep. These individuals were discovered to be sleeping less than 6 hours per day, which was affecting their heart functions. Coronary heart disease, stroke, and cardiac arrest are just a few of the issues that can arise from a lack of sleep. When a person is sleep deprived or has fragmented sleep, the blood vessels lose their ability to expand and contract in order to regulate things to some extent. When people don’t get enough sleep, they are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Sleep deprivation has been linked to higher cholesterol levels and general inflammation throughout the body, according to other studies.
3. DIABETES
If you don’t get enough sleep, your chances of developing diabetes increase. In such a situation, the body is unable to properly regulate insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates blood sugar. Sleep deprivation lowers pancreatic insulin production and lowers gluten tolerance. As a result, cells become less effective at using insulin, which can lead to diabetes.
4. WEIGHT GAIN
Sleep deprivation causes fatigue and lethargy throughout the day. Another reason is that people who sleep less are more likely to abandon their exercise and jogging routines, resulting in weight gain. According to research published in the journal Sleep, people with sleep deprivation had different levels of endocannabinoids, a chemical signal that affects appetite and the brain’s reward system. The researchers also discovered that when people were sleep deprived, they ate more and unhealthier snacks in between meals, which coincided with their highest endocannabinoid levels. Weight gain has a direct impact on women’s health, often resulting in menstrual problems.
5. MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS AND IMMUNITY
A woman’s body suffers greatly from a lack of sleep. Menstrual problems such as irregular periods, spotting, and heavy flow can all increase due to sleep apnea. It also reduces a woman’s sex drive. It is therefore critical to get at least 8 hours of sleep per day. This is especially important during periods when women are already experiencing hormonal changes. Getting enough sleep can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menstruation, such as pain and mood swings.
The immune system is also harmed by lack of sleep. During sleep, the body repairs almost every cell in the body. But lack of sleep hampers the body’s ability to mount an immune response.
The writer is Sr. Consultant – Neurology, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre