The side effects of sleep deprivation
We’ve all experienced a few nights of disturbed sleep, which may not seem like a big deal at the time. However, when it becomes a regular occurrence, there are several unpleasant side effects of sleep deprivation to be aware of.
1. Skin
Lack of sufficient sleep not only affects your appearance in the short term but also has long-term effects. Proper sleep allows for the repair and regeneration of collagen and other proteins that maintain skin elasticity. Without enough sleep, you’ll notice increased signs of early aging and an increased risk of developing conditions such as acne.
2. Hair
Although lesser known, research suggests a connection between insufficient sleep and hair loss, particularly in men. Sleep deprivation, combined with the stress it often brings, impacts hormone levels in the body and can trigger male pattern baldness in susceptible individuals.
3. Weakened Immune System
If you find yourself catching every cold that goes around, your sleep schedule may be the cause. Chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
4. Weight
Sleep has a role in regulating hormones that affect appetite, such as ghrelin and leptin. Sleep deprivation increases ghrelin levels, which can cause cravings, while decreasing leptin, which signals satiety. This can be problematic if you’re trying to lose weight.
5. Fertility
Regular sleep disruptions can hinder conception by reducing the secretion of reproductive hormones.
6. Serious Health Issues
Sleep deprivation raises the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. In the case of diabetes, inadequate deep sleep affects glucose processing in the body, potentially leading to type Two diabetes.
7. Memory
Lack of sleep can leave you feeling sluggish, and some studies have shown that it can impair cognitive function to the equivalent of having a blood alcohol content of 0.1%. Additionally, REM sleep, which is often compromised due to sleep deprivation, is essential for the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term ones.
Of course, achieving restful sleep is challenging if your mattress is not in good condition. A quality mattress is vital for your overall health. When your bed provides comfort and proper support for your body weight, you’ll enjoy a more restful sleep. This can contribute to improved physical and mental wellbeing, potentially benefiting a variety of conditions.
Alternatively, a mattress topper can improve the quality of your mattress without the expense of buying a new mattress. Our memory foam mattress toppers will provide you with luxurious comfort and support, and add a layer of protection to your existing mattress.
If you need advice on buying a new memory foam mattress or memory foam mattress topper then our friendly, experienced team are always available to help. Just call us on 01293 871744 or email sales@bodymouldmattresses.co.uk.
Photo by Vladislav Muslakov on Unsplash
