Insomnia. It’s a dreaded word. From time to time, we all have days when we feel tired and lethargic. This may be down to the weather, stress, or the fact we haven’t slept properly for days. Most of us know what it feels like to crave sleep and to sit there in class or at work trying desperately to keep our eyes open. But do you really know the impact a lack of sleep can have on your health? Here’s what can actually happen if you don’t get enough sleep.
Reduced energy levels
Your body needs sleep. Sleep isn’t a luxury item. When you’re lying in bed catching Z’s, your body is going through a series of essential processes, which enable it to rest, recover, and regenerate. Without rest, your body and mind will feel tired, and this is why you suffer from reduced energy levels. By the time the clock strikes 3 pm, you already feel like you’ve been up for days, and it’s time to tuck yourself up.
Increased risk of depression
Mental health, as you know, is a subject that’s really important to me. There are many reasons why people suffer from depression, and various triggers. Often, depression is preceded by traumatic life events or illnesses. But sometimes, the cause seems much more innocuous. You may not think that missing out on a few nights of good-quality sleep could make a difference to your mood. But you’d be wrong. Insomnia can increase the risk of depression and depression can, in turn, increase susceptibility to insomnia. Before you know it, you’re stuck in a cycle, which is incredibly tough to break. Researchers estimate that around 80 percent of people who have depression also have trouble sleeping. When you’re tired and run-down, your emotional responses are heightened, and it can be difficult to cope with even the most minor challenges. Everything is magnified, and life can become impossible. If you do have trouble sleeping, and it’s affecting your mental health, see your doctor. They can provide therapies to help you sleep, and treat depression.
Changes to your appearance
You’ve probably noticed that you don’t look your best when you’ve been up most of the night. Dark circles, eye bags, and dull skin can make you look much older than you are, and sometimes, no amount of concealer can convince people that you’re feeling bright and breezy. In the long-term, a lack of sleep can contribute to premature skin ageing, dehydration, and breakouts. Before you reach for your tablet and shop online for the best anti-aging serum, consider ways to remedy your sleep problems. Get into a routine, relax before you go to bed, and try and make sure your bedroom is a tranquil, stress-free haven.
Do you have trouble sleeping? If so, you could be putting your mental and physical health at risk. If insomnia is a persistent problem, seek advice from your doctor. If you’re running on empty, almost every organ in your body will suffer, and you won’t be getting the most out of life.
-Dana
Carry on Beautiful! 