Consequences of Poor Sleep
Sleep: Necessity, Not Luxury
Most people can feel the consequences of insufficient sleep:
- Irritability
- Exhaustion
- Easily distracted
- Making unsound decisions
However, there are other consequences of poor sleep that aren’t always as obvious. For example, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your immune system.
Research also suggests that sleep deprivation may lead to:
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Bone loss
- Depression
Sleep deprivation also can impair:
- Learning
- Memory
- Alertness
- Concentration
- Judgment
- Problem solving
- Reasoning
But these are only a few of the health issues sleep deprivation creates. According to Eve Van Cauter of the University of Chicago, a “lack of sleep disrupts every physiologic function in the body.” To make matters worse, lack of sleep hinders your ability to realize your own performance is impaired, making you think you’re functioning well when you probably aren’t.
So now we know that sleep is necessary, but it’s up to each of us to make sure we get enough rest. In the end, getting better sleep helps you lead a better life.
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About the Expert
Terry Cralle, RN is a registered nurse, certified clinical sleep educator, certified professional in Healthcare Quality, and has devoted much of her career to sleep health and wellness. As an educator and co-founder of a four-bed sleep disorders center, she serves as a consultant and speaker for numerous organizations, including schools, hospitals and corporations. She's the author of Sleeping Your Way to the Top and Snoozby and the Great Big Bedtime Battle. For more visit www.terrycralle.com.