Along with diet and exercise, sleep is an essential aspect of wellness. That’s why you must be cautious about sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can involve lacking sleep or failing to get quality sleep each night. By knowing the common signs of sleep deprivation, you can take the right steps to correct the issue.
Sleep deprivation can take a real toll on your health. Accordingly, there are many common symptoms to watch for:
Sleep is essential for numerous bodily functions, including the immune system, the heart, the metabolic system, and many others. The longer you go without sleep, the more serious the health effects.
Some people experience sleep deprivation due to lifestyle, such as those who work nighttime hours. The condition can also result from extremely high stress levels. Poor sleep habits and consuming too much caffeine are other factors to consider. In some cases, sleep deprivation may be linked to medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s, sleep apnoea, Parkinson’s, mental health disorders, and the common cold or flu.
Sleep requirements can vary according to factors like age and lifestyle. In general, healthy adults aged 18 and older should aim for a minimum of seven hours each night, with a maximum of nine hours. Younger people typically need more sleep, with infants needing as much as 16 hours each night, while teens should get a minimum of 10 hours.
If sleep issues are not linked to an underlying medical condition, there are a few tips that can help improve quality and length:
Remember, it’s not possible to catch up on lost sleep. For optimal health and wellness, you must make time for sleep each and every night.