24You’ve probably heard time and time again that you need to get enough sleep. But are you aware of what happens if you (always) don’t? According to sleep experts, chronic sleep deprivation can have deleterious effects on a person’s health.
Below, you’ll learn about the negative health consequences of chronic sleep deprivation, how much sleep you’re supposed to be getting every night, and how to tell if you haven’t had enough sleep.
What Are the Consequences of Not Getting Enough Sleep?
Chronic or extended periods of sleep deprivation can put you at a greater risk for various health problems, many of which are potentially serious. These include the following:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Depression, schizophrenia, paranoia, and other mental health problems
- Heart attacks
- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Reduced immune function (being prone to infections)
How Much Sleep Do I Need?
How much sleep a person needs every night depends on their age. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night; while babies, young children, and teens need more for optimal growth and development. Seniors (people over 65 years of age) need to get up to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Signs of Sleep Deprivation
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it could mean you are sleep-deprived.
- Excessive sleepiness or feeling tired throughout the day
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings or irritability
- Poor daytime performance
- Feeling groggy
- Frequent yawning
These signs, particularly when persistent, could also be indicative of a sleep disorder referred to as insomnia which – in contrast to sleep deprivation in itself – causes a person to have trouble sleeping even when they have plenty of time to sleep.
To lower your risk for potentially serious physical and mental health problems associated with sleep deprivation or insomnia, consult a sleep expert. They can work to pinpoint the underlying cause and recommend treatment or strategies (e.g., sleep diary, behavioral and lifestyle recommendations, relaxation techniques, medications, CPAP, etc.) to help you beat insomnia.
Sleep Expert in Weatherford, TX
At Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, Dr. Olusegun Oseni, our board-certified internal medicine physician and sleep medicine expert, prides himself on his holistic approach to care.
Dr. Oseni will carry out a thorough assessment, which can include a sleep study and other tests, to get to the bottom of your sleep problem and devise the most effective solution for you.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Olusegun Oseni today. Contact our staff at 817-594-9993, or click here to request an appointment now.
