Why People Should Have Enough Sleep?

Sleep plays a paramount role in preserving one’s good health. It is as important as exercising regularly and eating healthy diet. Getting sufficient amount of quality sleep can help protect one’s mental and physical health, quality of life as well as ensure safety. During sleep, the body is working to support healthy brain function and keep the physical health for adults, and to support growth and development for children and teens.

A very small number of people can be fine on little sleep, but most people require 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Teen and children may need even more. Unfortunately, many are having too little sleep. For instance, at least 40 percent of United States population are not getting enough sleep, as reported by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 

In addition to eye health, it is estimated that 30 percent of chronic diseases are related to sleep disorder. Clinical studies have indicated that sleep deprivation could affect a person’s brain function. His or her thinking ability and emotional states are compromised and he or she could not concentrate well, yawn frequently and could be more irritable than usual. This would limit the ability to learn and affect the memory.

Lack of sleep can make one short-tempered and have mood swings. Insufficient sleep can trigger mania episodes in people who have manic depression. People who do not have enough sleep can also have impulsive behavior, depression, paranoia and suicidal thoughts.

People can have microsleep because of sleeping problem, too. Microsleep happens when a person nods off for up to 30 seconds without realizing it. This frequently occurs when a person is fatigued but trying to stay awake to perform a monotonous task such as driving a car or watching television. This can be dangerous during driving, and microsleep can also make a person more prone to injuries from trips and falls.

The body’s immune system can be weakened by lack of sleep. People can fall sick more easily and recover more slowly than others from illnesses. Sleep deprivation can worsen the condition of people who already have chronic lung disease.

Having not enough of sleep over a long period of time can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes. People can also gain weight because of lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation raises the production of the stress hormone cortisol, and lowers the levels of a hormone called leptin that tells a person's brain that he or she has had enough to eat. Weight gain can lead to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, too.

For people who sleep fewer than 4 hours a night, their risk of death from all causes goes up by 15 percent, according to studies.