8 Ways Lack of Sleep Affects Your Health

We’ve all been there: Tossing and turning, worried about missing an early-morning flight, or thinking about tomorrow’s big meeting.

Lack of sleep is prevalent in the U.S. In fact, a recent study by the Center for Disease Control found that more than 2/3 of Americans are not getting adequate sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends at least 7 hours per night for adults aged 18 – 60.

We understand, the idea of sleeping for 7 solid hours may seem far-fetched. After all, we live in a 24-hour work and news cycle, not to mention the friends, family and social media that keep our brains going nonstop. But a steady dose of sleepless or restless nights can lead to physical and mental ailments, and increase the risk of serious disease.

8 ways lack of sleep affects your health

Night after night of disrupted sleep can cause much bigger problems than irritability and forgetfulness. It can make you downright unhealthy. Here are some key ways lack of sleep can affect your health:

1. You feel “ditzy” – Not enough sleep can leave you unable to focus, problem solve or create.
2. You’re moody – You frequently feel grumpy or irritable, or can get upset or angry quickly. You may even develop a mood disorder like anxiety or depression.
3. You get sick often – Feel like you frequently have a cold or the flu? Not sleeping well weakens your immune system, putting you at risk for illness & disease.
4. Your health risks rise – Without adequate sleep, you become at an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure & heart disease
5. You gain weight – Not sleeping enough can stimulate your appetite and even increase cravings, leading to weight gain.
6. You cause accidents – Sleep-deprived people have caused some of the world’s worst disasters and accidents. Don’t drive or operate machinery while drowsy or exhausted.
7. You’re frequently off-balance – Lack of sleep can affect your balance and coordination, making you susceptible to falls.
8. You’re not in the mood – Whether due to sheer tiredness or low testosterone, the sleep-deprived tend to suffer from low sex drive.

Effective care for sleep disorders and more, throughout the Pomona Valley

If getting the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night sounds like a dream to you, talk to Pomona Valley Health Centers about sleep disorder treatment. Whatever’s keeping you awake—insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, or work shift sleep problems—we can help. After learning all about you, your lifestyle and sleeping patterns, we’ll create a treatment plan to bring you better sleep.

And as always, PVHC offers complete healthcare for you and your family, from checkups to vaccinations to women’s health; urgent care to radiology and sports medicine.

Experience the difference our low-cost, hassle-free, high-quality healthcare can make in your life. To schedule an appointment in Claremont, Chino Hills, La Verne or Pomona, call 909-630-7829, or use our easy online form.