Understanding the real impact of poor sleep on physical and mental health, with insights on diseases linked to poor sleep, based on medical research, clinical studies and journals.
Let's talk about something we all love yet often overlook – sleep.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we tend to underestimate the value of a good night's sleep. What we seem to forget is that sleep isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity.
It is a time when our body and mind repair, rejuvenate and prepare for the next day. However, poor sleep can have a significant impact on our physical capacity, mental health, and overall well-being as evidenced by a mountain of studies. [1]
But what happens when our sleep takes a hit? Let's lift the covers and take a closer look.
The Consequences of Short-Term Sleep Deprivation
According to a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), inadequate sleep can affect both how we feel and how we function [1]
Cutting corners with sleep can lead to immediate repercussions. Even a single night of poor sleep can leave you feeling grumpy and groggy. [2]
Other symptoms of short term sleep deprivation may include;
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Irritability
- Reduced alertness
- Poor motor skills
- Attention problems
Remember, these are only the short-term impacts. If you don't get enough sleep on a regular basis, you're setting yourself up for some serious consequences, both physically and emotionally. [3]
The Long-Term Damages of Poor Sleep
Over time, continual poor sleep can alter how your body functions. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) found the long-term effects range from excess body weight to increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Surprisingly, even sleep duration (how long you sleep for) also increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. [4,6,8]
A review of 10 studies involving more than 18,000 people [1] found;
- Short sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Long sleep duration was also associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Poor sleep can also increase the risk of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, confusion, frustration, irritability, a sense of hopelessness and aggressiveness . [2]
Human sleep studies have connected irregularities in the sleep-wake cycle to metabolic problems such as obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and cancer. [2,3]
Long-term sleep issues (insomnia) have been closely linked to stroke, asthma attacks, seizures, weak immune system, sensitivity to pain, inflammation, obesity, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Inadequate Sleep and Premature Death
The most alarming aspect of inadequate sleep and insomnia is the reduction in life expectancy.
According to a study by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), people who regularly get less than six hours of sleep per night are at an increased risk for premature death. [4,9]
In conclusion, it is essential to prioritise good quality sleep for overall health and well-being.
If you are experiencing any issues with your sleep patterns or quality of sleep it is important to seek medical advice.
References:
[1] National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). (n.d.). How does inadequate sleep affect health?.
[2] News Medical Life Sciences. (2023). Health Effects of Poor Sleep - Quantity and Quality.
[3] The New York Times. (2021). The Health Toll of Poor Sleep.
[4] National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). (n.d.). Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency How Sleep Affects Your Health - NHLBI, NIH.
[5] Effects of Sleep Deprivation – Sleep Foundation
[6] S Taheri, (2007). The link between short sleep duration and obesity: we should recommend more sleep to prevent obesity.
[7] Francesco P Cappuccio. (2011) Sleep duration predicts cardiovascular outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.
[8] Zhilei Shan. (2015) Sleep duration and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.
[9] Torbjörn Åkerstedt. (2017) Sleep duration, mortality and the influence of age.