Most of us have experienced a night of tossing and turning, you already know how you’ll feel the next day — tired and out of sorts. But missing out on the recommended 7 to 9 hours of rest during the night does more than make you just feel groggy and grumpy.
It’s called sleep deprivation, and the long-term effects are real. It drains your mental abilities and puts your physical health at real risk. Studies have linked a lack of sleep with many health problems, from weight gain to a weakened immune system.
People who can get by on four hours of sleep sometimes boast about their strength and endurance. But recent scientific studies have shown that a lack of sleep causes many significant changes in the body and increases your risk for serious health concerns such as obesity, disease, and even early death.
Sleep is an important function for many reasons. When you sleep, your brain signals your body to release hormones and compounds that help:
• decrease the risk of adverse health conditions
• manage your hunger levels
• maintain your immune system
• retain memory
Adverse Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Those who generally slept for less than five to seven hours a night were 12 percent more likely to experience a premature death. Researchers also found that people who reduced their nightly sleep time from seven to eight hours to below seven hours were at an increased risk of death from all causes. A lack of sleep can also cause accidents.
Causes of Sleep Deprivation
In a nutshell, sleep deprivation is caused by a consistent lack of sleep or reduced quality of sleep. Getting less than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis can eventually lead to health consequences that affect your entire body. This may also be caused by an underlying sleep disorder.
What Are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to sleep well on a regular basis. Whether they are caused by a health problem or by too much stress, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common in the United States. In fact, more than 75 percent of Americans between ages 20 and 59 report having sleeping difficulties fairly regularly.
Many people occasionally experience sleeping problems due to stress, hectic schedules, and other outside influences. However, when these issues begin to occur on a regular basis and interfere with daily life, they may indicate a sleeping disorder.
Depending on the type of sleep disorder, people may have a difficult time falling asleep and may feel extremely tired throughout the day. The lack of sleep can have a negative impact on energy, mood, concentration, and overall health.
How Are Sleep Disorders Treated?
Treatment for sleep disorders can vary depending on the type and underlying cause. However, it generally includes a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes.
Medical Treatments
Medical treatment for sleep disturbances might include any of the following:
• sleeping pills
• melatonin supplements
• allergy or cold medication
• medications for any underlying health issues
• breathing device or surgery (usually for sleep apnea)
• a dental guard (usually for teeth grinding)
Source: https://www.healthline.com
