It is well known that 7 to 9 hours of sleep is desirable for us. And that sometimes you have a bad night: it’s not pleasant, but you can make up for it the next night. It only becomes problematic when structurally you don’t get enough sleep. We list the physical and mental consequences of sleep deprivation and possible solutions.
Physical consequences of sleep deprivation: From obesity to dementia
A regular sleep rhythm is very important for our health. Insomnia is when you get enough sleep at least 3 times a week for 3 months or more. This can lead to serious physical ailments, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Dementia can also be the result of structural sleep deprivation.
Read also: Sleep problems? Maybe these tips will help you
Mental consequences of sleep deprivation: concentration problems, less pleasant
And if you don’t get enough rest during your sleep session, you’ll logically quickly notice the consequences. Lack of sleep can cause concentration problems and make you less alert and have less energy. But if you don’t get enough sleep, others can suffer too.
Scientific research has shown that you are less kind to your fellow human beings if you haven’t gotten enough sleep. This can manifest itself in surly behavior, but also in a lower willingness to donate money to charity. Sleep deprivation negatively affects the hippocampus, the brain region that controls memory. The prefrontal cortex also suffers. This part of the brain is partly responsible for your social skills and impulse control.
Read also: Sleep deprivation is not solved by sleeping on the weekend
What can be done about it?
Taking more melatonin or sleeping pills is not wise. This disrupts your natural sleep rhythm and hormonal balance, as you can read in this article. That’s why even sleeping late on the weekends doesn’t help, experts in this field say. What you can do is ensure a regular sleep pattern.
This obviously takes time, but could help reduce your alcohol and medication intake or to read a book instead of checking the phone. Sleep deprivation can also be associated with sleep apnea, a condition many people suffer from unnoticed. You may want to try a different sleeping position or purchase special sleep apnea equipment. In this article let’s take a closer look at sleep apnea and everything that comes with it.
(Source: Archive, NOS, University of Groningen, Brain Balance. Photo: Shutterstock)
