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In some cultures, it is customary to take naps in the middle of the day. Entire towns and villages shut down for the afternoon while people take the time to sleep. In Western cultures, this is less customary. The pressure to work and meet various life demands pushes people to go to bed late and wake up very early. What many people don’t realize is that, over time, sleep deprivation takes its toll on a person’s health and well-being.
Sleep Deprivation and Weight Gain
It may seem logical that if you’re sleeping less, you’re burning more calories because you’re awake and active. The truth, as scientists are discovering, is that when your body is sleep deprived, its hormonal make-up changes. You experience an increase in hormones that strengthen your appetite. So when you do not sleep enough, you tend to eat more.
Additionally, sleep deprivation causes a drop in the hormones that allow you to feel satiated. You can eat and eat and still not feel full. The collective hormonal change in the body causes you to gain weight and feel deprived of energy.
Little Sleep and Mental Health
Not sleeping enough can also lead to fatigue and depression. When you’re tired all the time, everything in life becomes a chore. Even activities that you would normally enjoy become less interesting when you’re not awake enough to enjoy them.
Sleeping for Greater Health
To enjoy optimal health, sleep for seven to eight hours each night. Set and maintain a regular bedtime. When you’re rested, you’ll feel physically and mentally invigorated, allowing greater enjoyment of health and life.
