What happens to your body when you don't get enough sleep

Body & Health door thijs

We all know that a good night's sleep is important. If you got too little sleep, you feel futile and weak the next day. But there are many more consequences of a short night's sleep. And some of them are pretty terrifying! Hopefully, this article is a true eye-opener for you because this is what happens to your body when you don't get enough sleep:

You're more likely to cause an accident

If you've slept badly, you concentration tends to be lower than usual. Also, your reflexes are worse and you process information at a slower rate. So, a major setback on your driving skills. Not only in the car, you can also be a hazard on the road when you're on a bike or even walking. (For example, last week I almost walked under a car after a short night's sleep.) According to the Foundation for Scientific Research on Traffic Accidents, fatigue and tiredness play a role in 10 to 15% of road accidents. That's quite a lot!

You're more hungry

You burn a lot of calories in your sleep. But, more happens with your metabolism at night than you may think. If you don't sleep enough, the hormone ghlerine is created. This is a substance that generates appetite. If you slept too little, you'll be less full during the day. (And then snacks tend to become very dangerous...)

Your skin becomes older

Look, your skin won't look 10 years older overnight. But, if you get too little sleep for longer periods of time, the aging process of your skin speeds up. However, there are also some short-term effects on your skin. Lack of sleep can make your skin dry (because your skin gets hydrated at night) and acne can occur. They don't call it a beauty sleep for nothing...

Your immune system becomes affected

During your sleep, important proteins are created. These are used for a lot of things, for example, the construction of antibodies. An insufficient night's sleep causes less of these proteins to be produced, which means that you are more susceptible to diseases. Did you know that you are three times more likely of getting a cold when you sleep less than seven hours a night? Another reason to go to bed on time...

In the long run you are at risk of severe illnesses

Do you lack sleep way too often? Then you seriously have to take care of yourself. Sleep shortage can have serious consequences. It makes you less sensitive to insulin, which could cause diabetes. You can also get increased blood pressure and you have a greater chance of having a heart attack. This doesn't sound all too good...

Wow, these are all quite serious consequences if you don't sleep enough. I also read that if you need to catch up on sleep, it's better that you go to bed earlier than sleeping in in the morning. Are you doing everything you can to get enough sleep?

Source (header): Weheartit