Just How Dangerous Is Sleep Deprivation?

In the American hustle culture, sleep deprivation is almost worn like a badge. It’s considered strangely normal to be up past midnight working on side projects or trying to get ahead, only to wake up before dawn to start it all again. Everyone wants to “have it all” and with only 24 hours in a day, sleep is what often gets pushed to the wayside.

The CDC reports that one out of three Americans doesn’t get enough sleep at night. If you’re between ages 18 and 60, you should be aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep per night according to the same report. Not doing so on a regular basis can result in dire effects. Let’s explore the true dangers of sleep deprivation and why you should stop being proud of your limited time “wasted” snoozing and hit the hay instead.

5 Dangers Associated with Sleep Deprivation

1 – Weakened Immune System

Especially now, during the coronavirus pandemic, a weakened immune system is not something anyone wants to have. While many people can’t help being immunocompromised — for example, if they have an autoimmune disease or had an organ transplant — there are many more who weaken their immune systems by not engaging in the proper self-care. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it’s been proven that you’re more prone to getting sick.

2 – Difficulty Focusing

If you think sleeping less is making you more productive, you’d be wrong. By not getting enough sleep, you’re making it harder to focus and accomplish what you want. This is true not just regarding concentration at school and work, but in all things, including driving. In 2017, it’s estimated that close to 800 people in the US died from so-called “drowsy driving,” which slows down your reaction times to the same level as if you were driving drunk.

3 – Chronic Illnesses

Your risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more, increases if you don’t get enough sleep at night. The result can be ongoing expensive health expenditures for medications, doctor’s appointments, and hospital stays, as well as premature death.

4 – Weight Gain

Sleeping less has been shown time and time again to increase appetite and weight gain. This has commonly been linked to the hormones that affect hunger and fullness levels, which are impacted by your sleep duration. If you’re feeling tired and gaining weight, not getting enough good-quality sleep can be the culprit.

5 – Irritability & Mood Changes

Not getting enough sleep at night can negatively impact your mood. It can result in anger, depression, and general irritability. In addition to you not feeling your best, your relationships may suffer due to your irritability.

What Can You Do to Counteract the Effects of Sleep Deprivation?

Obviously, you need to sleep better! Here are a few tips:

• Create a sleep schedule where you go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time each day, allowing yourself at least 7 hours in bed.
• Avoid blue screens (such as from your phone and computer) during evening hours.
• Don’t drink any caffeinated beverages in the afternoon or evening.
• If your mattress is the culprit to your poor night’s sleep, read our reviews and find a mattress that is comfortable and supportive to reduce hours spent toss and turning. We especially recommend Saatva, which comes in a choice of firmness levels.