Sleep is usually one of the first things to go by the wayside in our now overly busy culture. It's now become as easy to put off as diet and exercise. However, lack of sleep can have DETRIMENTAL long-term effects on the body.
Here's what happens to various parts of the body.......
YOUR BRAIN---A new study shows that sleep is necessary to rejuvenate the connections between brain cells; these connections become increasingly erratic the longer you're awake. According to researchers, the most easily disrupted connections were those essential for memory, executive functioning, and attention.
YOUR MUSCLES---The body produces growth hormone during sleep, a function necessary for building and maintaining healthy muscle tissue. So over time, insomnia can zap strength.
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM---Sleep deprivation lessens white blood cell activity, which ups the risk of getting sick. In turn, a healthy immune system promotes deep sleep, so long bouts of insomnia can create a vicious cycle.
YOUR BLOOD SUGAR---Insomnia interferes with the body's ability to metabolize glucose, leading to early signs of diabetes. One study showed that regularly snoozing less than six hours a night makes you 4.5 times more likely to develop pre-diabetes.
YOUR MOOD---Sleepless nights don't just make you irritable; new research shows that people who suffer from chronic insomnia are five times more likely to become depressed and 20 times more likely to develop panic disorder.
Do your best to make it a HABIT of getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and try to hit the pillow at the same time every night. You will be amazed at how much more alertness and energy you will NATURALLY have in order to make it through your hectic day! Then you can lay off the red bulls and your coffee-pot-a-day habit! Sweet dreams!
(Source: A New Bedtime Story, Dr. Mehmet Oz; The MISSOURIAN; 1/22/12)
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