Weakened decision-making ability, lack of attention, impulsiveness – these are still not all the factors resulting from sleep deprivation. Sufficiently long sleep is important for tissue regeneration, prevents depression and obesity. Sleep is also inextricably linked to longevity.
We can be sure that a sleepless night or multiple awakenings will put a shadow on our day. A well-rested body is the key to better health, both physical and mental.
The first hours are worth gold
Uninterrupted sleep is the most valuable. A five-hour period will have a much more beneficial effect on our functioning than twice as long, which would be disturbed by awakenings. The first three or four hours have a significant impact on us.
Why is sleep so important?
Theoretically, sleep takes up one-third of everyone’s life. It is referred to as “phasic, rhythmic, resting brain activity.” It serves the immune system, memory maintenance, tissue reconstruction, noradrenergic receptor sensitivity and thermoregulation.
Many of us do not realize that sleep affects metabolism and tissue regeneration, cognitive functions, or the ability to store energy. No wonder that lack of sleep entails numerous consequences, from mood swings to the development of diseases. Lack of sleep not only negatively affects the length of our lives through health effects, but also promotes accidents.
Sleep and health
- The risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, angina and stroke increases if you sleep less than five hours a night.
- Just one sleepless night can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Thanks to deep sleep in the daily routine, we will be able to deal with the stresses that accompany us, even in professional life, easier. We owe this form of recreation a clear message of communication, a real assessment of risks, opportunities and limitations, creativity, a smooth flow of thoughts and associations. When we are well rested, we will be able to cope with unforeseen situations much easier or we will focus properly behind the wheel. Lack of sleep exposes us to the development of mental illnesses, including depression.
- Hormonal balance may be disturbed. The consequences in women concern irregular menstruation, skin problems, and in men – a decrease in testosterone.
- Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s can also be provoked by insomnia, because the protein responsible for the proper rhythm of sleep and wakefulness, the so-called orexin is involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The immune system, weakened by sleep disorders, does not function properly, which increases the risk of not only infections, but also cancer. The number of white blood cells and lymphocyte activity decreases.
- The result of lack of sleep is an increase in ghrelin and a decrease in leptin. This combination results in an increase in appetite, so it promotes the accumulation of unnecessary kilograms.