We all go through difficult periods in our lives and there are many factors that affect our ability to deal with stress, but one of the major things that we often overlook is the impact of sleep, or lack thereof, particularly in the face of difficult circumstances.
The relation between stress and sleep deprivation is a two way street, both affect each other and can be deadly in combination. If you are suffering from sleepless nights, you may find that you are feeling more stressed than usual throughout the day. While the solution to sleep deprivationis different for every one, there are a few easy ways to tell if you aren’t getting the sleep you need.
Feeling dumb
Lack of sleep affects your brain’s ability to function. If you are finding it hard to complete tasks that you have done easily in the past, even things like simple calculations or remembering a friend’s address, then it’s possible that it’s not because you are getting dumber but might just be a few hours short on good sleep. Especially if you have an important event, maybe something at school or an important day at work, then you really need to make sure you’re getting the proper amount of sleep. Luckily, most studies conclude that the effect lack of sleep has on brain power is only temporary.
Serious health problems
Although lack of sleep in a short period may only lead to temporary problems, long term lack of sleep can seriously affect your health. The list of health problems associated with lack of sleep is disturbingly long; heart disease and attack, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, strokes and diabetes have all been linked in some way with sleep deprivation. There are even some reports that have concluded that 90% of people with insomnia also have some other serious health issues.
Lack of sex drive
What you do in the sheets can have a profound effect on your life, if you know what we mean. It has long been known that sex drive is linked to sleeping patterns and it is often one of the first things to go when someone is having trouble sleeping. It is particularly common for myself who suffers from sleep apnea, a condition that affects their respiratory systems during sleep, to have lower testosterone levels as a result. This can have a serious effect on the mental health of you and your partner, so it is an issue to keep a close eye on.
Gaining weight
Sleep deprivation gives new meaning to the old saying, “if you snooze, you lose”, but it’s not weight you’re losing. Lack of sleep also affects how the brain processes hunger, and can tell your body to keep eating. This may be to do with the survival instinct we have genetically inherited from our ancestors, where the body tries to store as much food as possible in case there is a shortage, something that few of us in the developed world have to worry about now.
Loss of productivity
It’s easy to see how all these factors combine to severely affect your ability to contribute at work or in a family situation. If you are busy trying to deal with all of these other problems, then you really don’t have the time to attend to the other important parts of your life.
By paying attention to the importance of a good night sleep, we can make a huge difference to our quality of life. If you are having serious sleeping problems, then it is highly recommended that you see a doctor.
Article Submitted By Community Writer6
