Let’s face it, we’re all really busy, and sometimes there simply isn’t enough time to get those solid eight hours of sleep every night that experts recommend for optimal health. So it is no wonder that so many people skimp on sleep. Unfortunately, this could be doing a lot more harm than you realize. Check out the five reasons why you shouldn’t skimp on sleep below to learn more.
1. You Could Be Increasing Your Risk of Heart Disease
Here’s a major reason why you shouldn’t skimp on sleep: a study in 2003 discovered that women who got five hours or less of sleep each night had a 45% greater risk of having a heart attack. And a study in 2008 revealed that not getting enough sleep might increase the risk of calcium building up in your arteries, which could result in stroke and heart attack.
2. Your Brain Function Could Decline
Did you know that getting enough sleep could improve your ability to learn new things? This is because the brain can more easily commit information to its memory when it is able to rest during sleep. Getting fewer than six hours of sleep every night could actually cause your brain to age, and it could cause cognitive decline.
3. Your Risk of Diabetes Will Be Higher
Another important reason why you shouldn’t skimp on sleep is because it could increase your risk of diabetes. A study from 2005 found that individuals who sleep for five hours or less every night are actually 2½ times more likely to develop diabetes. Individuals who got six hours or less were 1.7 times more prone to developing diabetes.
4. You Will Be Cranky
If you want to be nice, make sure you get enough shut-eye each night. Failing to get enough sleep will adversely impact your mood, making you more impatient, more irritable, and unable to concentrate.
5. You’re More Likely to Gain Weight
If you get less than 7 hours of sleep every night, you will be more likely to gain weight. Not getting enough sleep can throw your hunger hormones out of balance, causing you to have an increased appetite by day.
If you are having a lot of trouble falling asleep, an over-the-counter sleep aid like Somnaprin could be the solution that you are looking for. In this way, you could get the rest that you need for your body to feel refreshed every morning.
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