If our bodies had a reset button, it would probably be sleep. This is because when we sleep, it allows our bodies to restore themselves in all aspects. From mental functioning to heart health, sleep is that one part of our daily routine that is probably the most essential. Sure, you can go without food for a while, maybe even a day without water, but you do not want to skimp out on sleep because that would take the biggest toll on your health.
In fact, there are about 25 different things that can arise as a result of poor sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, hopefully by discovering how your health can go awry without it will prompt you to finally take action and get back the sleep you deserve.
25 health problems that result from bad sleep
- You become irritable
- You experience more headaches
- Your ability to learn becomes hindered
- You gain weight
- Your vision begins to change—objects may appear blurry or double
- Your risk of heart disease increases
- Your reaction time becomes slower
- Your immune system becomes weak and you become more susceptible to illness
- You take bigger risks without fully thinking things through. This could increase the risk of injury or even put you in a situation you can’t bounce out of
- You begin to urinate more, especially during the night
- You become more easily distracted
- If you get vaccinated, the effectiveness of the vaccine is greatly reduced
- Your speech becomes impaired.
- You’re more likely to catch any colds that may circle around (see point 8)
- Your risk of gastrointestinal problems increases, furthermore if you already have inflammatory bowel disease symptoms can worsen with lack of sleep
- Your risk of enduring a car accident increases because you may fall asleep behind the wheel, your reaction time is slower, and you’re more easily distracted
- Your sex drive and libido plummet
- You may experience more pain or become more sensitive to pain
- Your risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes increases as lack of sleep messes with your metabolism
- You’re more likely to make errors and be sloppy
- Early research suggests that you may be at a higher risk of developing certain cancers
- You’re more likely to suffer from memory problems and develop Alzheimer’s disease later on
- Poor sleep has been found to contribute to genetic disruption
- You’re more likely to be unhappy and depressed
- Studies found that individuals who don’t achieve seven to eight hours of sleep are more likely to die at any given moment
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