Your body needs a certain amount of sleep in order to function properly and if you keep staying up late your body will develop a sleep debt. Finding a answer to this problem isn't always easy and Many people don’t even recognise they have a problem to begin with.
They fail to note the subtle symptoms and then don't take the time to investigate the possible causes. If your body doesn’t get a sufficient amount of sleep, the effects can start with tiredness and overall drowsiness.
You may feel tired during the day, which could ultimately have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. For older people, sleep deprivation typically means that restorative sleep is lacking so their bodies aren’t recharging properly for the next day. This pattern accumulates until it becomes a true medical condition that requires attention.
Another physical effect that a lack of sleep can result in is weight change - in particular, weight gain. One of the benefits of quality sleep is that your hormone levels are regulated.
But if you suffer from sleep deprivation, then your hormone levels grow to be imbalanced and as a result, some of your psychological processes – such as appetite – also change. You may feel hungry when you’re not - or in some cases, not full when you are.
Chronic sleeplessness can also lead to depression, irritability, and impatience. Unfortunately, emotional frustration is one symptom that people may feel they don’t need to address.
Some may even fail to
see how their mood swings and emotional outbursts or breakdowns are linked
to sleep, choosing to assign the blame elsewhere and focusing attention away
from the real cause: a lack of sleep.
The dangers of sleep deprivation to one’s physical and emotional well-being
range from slurred speech and anger to a slow breakdown of the body’s
immune system, making you susceptible to injury, the common cold, and more.
Have you ever driven your car while drowsy? The inherent danger is obvious. And while it may be a dramatic example, it’s also one that’s all too common - a powerful illustration of how important it is to get enough sleep.
Having sufficient sleep is vital to your health and wellbeing and needs to be treated as seriously as any other health care issues. If you ignore the problem it could lead to complications such as depression, hallucinations and it can even trigger epileptic fits. The consequences of sleep deprivation could also involve road accidents injuring yourself or other road users.
Kathy Joyce copyright December 2007
Contact email:healthytowealth@aol.com
