11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

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11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation – Studies show that once a month, almost 40% of all adults unintentionally fall asleep during the day due to a lack of rest in the last few days. Whether it’s for work, stress or entertainment, turning in late and/or waking up early have become a sad norm in our lives.

Are you ready to use your imagination? Let’s start with these 11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

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11. Heightened Levels of Anxiety

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11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Can’t sleep due to stress? Well, you better, because not sleeping enough actually increases the anticipatory reactions of the brain. This, in turn, causes even higher levels of stress.

10. Heightened Levels of Depression

11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation
11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Experts suggest taking rest and sleeping quite a lot like a natural remedy to grief and sadness. This is because not sleeping adequately decreases the release of neurotransmitters that are responsible for controlling our mood.

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9. Disruption to Our Body’s Natural Clock

11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation
11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation also lowers our body’s ability to fight physical stress by weakening the health of its white blood cells. Such weakness interferes with the functioning of our body’s natural clock aka the circadian rhythm.

8. Increased Risk of Hypertension

 11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation
11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep is also a major factor contributing to higher blood pressure. So, patients suffering from hypertension must sleep for at least 8 hours at night and a couple of hours more during the day; less than this and they are headed for serious health hazards.

7. Diminished Cognition

  11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation
11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Extreme results of this effect include people getting fired from jobs and kids failing exams – yes, it is diminished or impaired cognition. Sleep deprivation inhibits our brain from thinking and processing information efficiently. It also leads to temporary memory loss.

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6. Higher Risk of Heart Disease

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11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Such an ill-effect occurs when the drop in blood pressure – that occurs when we take rest or sleep – does not take place. Hence, sleeping and sleeping for a good amount of time is highly advisable to prevent cardiac problems.

5. Increased Risk of Stroke

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11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Surprised, and thinking how this is possible? Well, because sleeping less than the advisable amount every day (and consistently) affects our cardiovascular health, which (in turn) restricts blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke.

4. Increased Risk of Diabetes

11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation
11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Let’s go backward here – diabetes is caused by the lack of insulin release; insulin release is inhibited by hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine which are also called stress hormones; stress hormones are released in large amounts when stress levels are heightened due to inadequate rest/sleep. So, to control and even prevent diabetes adequate sleep is a must.

3. Higher Risk of Breast Cancer

This devastating disease is an indirect result of sleep deprivation. How do you ask? Well, two major causes of inadequate sleep are work (which often involves laptops and computers) and entertainment (usually involves smartphones and televisions). These late-night exposures to light restrict melatonin production, which leads to changes in the female hormone estrogen’s production. Disruption in estrogen production is the major cause of the growth of breast cancer.

2. Increased Risk of Injury

11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation
11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

This effect can take place in two ways: due to a lack of focus while doing risky tasks and/or decreased bone density. Both are direct results of sleep deprivation and can lead to serious problems in the life of even a healthy person.

1. Heightened Occurrences of Unhealthy Cravings

11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation
11 Hidden Hazards of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is not only important to keep us focused and prevent unwanted health problems, but also to maintain hormone levels. Two such hormones being affected are called ghrelin (makes you feel hungry) and leptin (makes you feel full). Consistently avoiding a good night’s sleep increases ghrelin production and simultaneously, decreases leptin production.

Only a week of sleep deprivation causes immense harm to your genes. Genes control your body’s response, immunity, inflammation and hence, overall health. So, whatever age you are, wherever you are working and whichever occupation you are in, there is no alternative to a good night’s sleep. Remember that the next time you give up sleep for something less important than your health.


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