How Sleep Affects Health
When you don’t get enough good-quality sleep, there can be a negative impact on your health and overall well-being. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that American adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Getting less sleep could put you at risk of these five health issues, among others.
1. Weaker Immune System
While you sleep, your immune system works to release proteins called cytokines, which promote a deeper, better quality sleep. When you have an infection or inflammation, you need more cytokines. If you don’t get enough rest, this can reduce the production of cytokines. That could mean a weaker immune system. Your body may be less effective in fighting off infection which could leave you more vulnerable to getting sick more often.
2. Increased Risk of Disease
Sleep deprivation can put you at risk of developing many different diseases and health complications such as:
- Cardiovascular disease (hypertension, coronary heart disease, irregular heartbeat, and stroke)
- Certain types of cancers (breast, prostate, and thyroid)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
Lack of sleep can also affect your mental health. According to the CDC, people who don’t get enough sleep could be at risk of developing depression.
3. Skin Problems
You may have thought that “beauty sleep” is just an old wives’ tale. But it’s true that lack of sleep can accelerate the aging process — potentially leading to more fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loose skin.
4. Weight Gain
Keeping a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of many health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Missing out on sleep can cause a change in the hormones that regulate your appetite and hunger. The hormone leptin suppresses your appetite, and the hormone ghrelin triggers your hunger. When you aren’t getting enough rest, it boosts your ghrelin. When the two hormones are out of balance, it might lead to weight gain.
5. Impaired Cognitive Function
Not getting enough sleep can damage some cognitive functions.
- Learning
- Thinking
- Problem-solving
- Reasoning
- Remembering
- Decision making
To protect all of these, be sure to get plenty of consistent, high-quality sleep.
Sleep Center in Monticello, Illinois
If you are having trouble getting enough good sleep, we can help. At KMC Sleep Center, your health is our top concern, and we want to get you the rest you need. Contact us today at 217-762-2115 to learn more about how we can assist you.