Sleep is a necessary component of life. It might seem boring, especially if you are someone who doesn’t dream. Or, if you experience nightmares, sleep could even be frightening or undesirable.
It’s something of a mystery as to why humans need sleep. However, scientists and medical professionals are in agreement that sleep is a very important ingredient in a healthy lifestyle.
Without sleep, it can be hard to function properly. Disrupted sleep has a direct influence on your mental and physical health. Here are ways that sleep deprivation affects your productivity and overall health.
1. Fatigue
When you don’t sleep, you feel tired.
There is a reason why you’re tired right before you go to bed. It’s a signal to your body that it’s time to get some rest.
After you wake up, it’s normal to feel groggy or like you don’t want to get up. It takes your body a bit of time to adjust. But, after your morning cup of coffee or routine, you should feel energized.
That is, of course, assuming that you’ve gotten enough sleep. The average person needs about eight hours of sleep per night.
That number varies. If you exercise a lot, you probably need more sleep. Younger people and children need more sleep than adults.
Consistently receiving less sleep than this will cause chronic fatigue. This will make it harder for you to concentrate on work and other important things.
Prevent fatigue by ensuring that you get enough restful sleep every night.
2. Depression
There is a direct correlation between sleep and mental health.
While you’re sleeping, your body processes important chemicals including serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. These chemicals impact your mood.
Depression also leads to sleep problems, creating a toxic cycle. While antidepressants might be right for some people, they have side effects.
For many people, a more natural alternative like cannabis is a better option. Depression is a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in most states but not all.
Here is a good resource with information on how to get a medical marijuana card in Ohio. Unfortunately, depression is not on the list. Other conditions that could lead to sleep deprivation such as PTSD are.
Cannabis helps treat depression in many ways. Marijuana has long been used as a sleep aid, which directly helps treat depression.
Prioritizing your sleep will improve your mental health.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand.
However, suffering from one does not necessarily mean you will suffer from the other. Most people experience anxiety at some point in their life.
Anxiety can be triggered by work stress, relationship problems, or even bad traffic. A lack of sleep is a commonly overlooked trigger.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body goes into panic mode. And if your body is panicking, your mind will start to panic, too.
It is hard to calm down without enough sleep. To help you calm down before bed and get restful sleep, avoid alcohol.
Choose a calming chamomile tea instead of a cocktail.
4. Appetite
Your stomach needs to rest at night.
When people discuss mental health, they often talk about chemicals like serotonin. Most of the serotonin found in the human body is actually found within the gut and not the brain.
Your diet could be affecting your sleep patterns. Avoid eating foods with sugars before going to bed. This will boost your energy, making sleep difficult.
Here is a list of foods that are rich in melatonin. Eating these before heading to bed will help you experience restful sleep.
As your sleep improves, your appetite will feel more natural.
5. Illness
Sleep deprivation weakens your immune system.
Those who don’t sleep enough are more likely to become sick. Flu season is a particularly vulnerable time for people with sleep disorders.
But the flu isn’t the only thing you should be worried about. Those who consistently don’t sleep enough are more likely to suffer from more serious illnesses and other diseases.
Heart diseases, immune disorders, and other problems are much more prevalent in people who don’t sleep well. Frequent illness will affect your productivity and focus.
Conclusion
Sleep is not an indulgence or luxury and prioritizing it doesn’t make you lazy. In fact, it’s a way of staying productive and healthy.