BTN News: Sleep is very important, but many people do not get enough of it. Sleeping less than six hours each night can cause many problems. These problems affect your mood, how you think, and your long-term health.
Mental Health and Mood Problems
One of the first things you might notice when you don’t sleep enough is a change in your mood. Studies show that not getting enough sleep is linked to mental health issues. People who sleep less are twice as likely to develop anxiety and depression compared to those who sleep well. This means that not sleeping enough can cause mental health problems, and having mental health problems can make it harder to sleep. It is a cycle that is hard to break. Sleep expert Sophie Bostock explains, “Poor sleep and mental health are closely linked.”
When you don’t sleep enough, you might feel irritable, frustrated, and in a bad mood. These feelings can make it even harder to sleep well. Maryanne Taylor, a sleep consultant, says that being in a bad mood is just the start. Lack of sleep can also increase stress and anxiety, which makes it even more difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
Our brains react to a lack of sleep as a danger signal. Bostock explains, “Our ancestors stayed awake to avoid predators, not to check their phones. So, we become more alert when we don’t sleep enough.” This means people who do not get enough sleep might see neutral faces as threats and avoid social interactions. This affects how we think and make decisions.
Concentration and Cognitive Function
Not sleeping enough also affects how well you can think and concentrate. Over time, lack of sleep makes it hard to focus, learn new things, remember information, and make good decisions. Bostock says, “Without enough sleep, we struggle to focus, learn, remember, empathize, and make logical decisions.” This can hurt your performance at work or school and can even affect your personal safety and relationships.
Health Risks and Recommendations
Scientists agree that sleeping less than six hours a night is bad for your health. To stay healthy, it is important to get enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation says adults should sleep between seven and nine hours each night.
A big study from the University of Cambridge in 2022 looked at many research papers on sleep and health. It found that sleeping seven hours a night, without big changes in sleep patterns, is very important for good health and thinking skills. People who slept seven to nine hours had fewer chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues.
The quality of sleep is also important. Eric Zhou from Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine says, “We should consider how well we sleep as well as how long we sleep.” Quality sleep means sleeping through the night without waking up often, falling asleep easily, and feeling refreshed in the morning. Poor quality sleep is linked to higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, and depression. It also makes you feel tired during the day, which can make it hard to enjoy life.
Regularly sleeping less than the recommended amount can cause many health issues. Sleep deprivation is linked to weight gain, a BMI of 30 or higher, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and depression. Lack of sleep affects the body in many ways, including disrupting metabolism, increasing blood pressure, and weakening the immune system.
In conclusion, the effects of not getting enough sleep are serious and wide-ranging. It is very important to prioritize sleep and make sure you get enough good quality sleep. By understanding the risks and making changes to improve sleep, you can improve your overall health and avoid the negative effects of sleep deprivation.
