We all know how frustrating it can be when we don’t get a good night's sleep. Not getting the rest we need can leave us feeling exhausted, lethargic, and even in a bad mood, but there are many more serious effects of poor sleep that many people don’t realize.
Getting enough good quality sleep is an essential human need, just like eating and drinking, and if you aren't getting the rest that your body requires, it will start to impact your overall health. You may even be surprised at the aspects of your health that not getting enough sleep can damage.
We have put together this helpful guide that describes how your health can be hurt by poor sleep and some of the ways in which you can ensure that you get the rest you need.
Poor Mental Wellbeing
It’s important that when you are assessing your own health, you take into consideration both your physical and mental health. Many of us are guilty of focusing on physical symptoms while disregarding our feelings and emotions.
As we mentioned earlier, having a restless night can make us feel irritable, and sometimes moody, which shows that it can have a direct impact on how we are feeling. When you are tired, even the smallest of tasks can take a lot of effort, which is why not getting enough sleep can damage our mental wellbeing.
Research has found that not getting enough sleep can lead to long-term mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, so it is important that you keep on top of how much sleep you are getting, and that you are honest about how you are feeling.
Immune System
If you suffer from disturbed or poor-quality sleep, then you may often find that you seem to get every cold and flu virus that goes around the office. This is because our bodies need sleep to replenish and stay strong, meaning that not getting sufficient rest can leave your body vulnerable. Our immune system is what keeps our body protected from illness, so if a lack of sleep has disrupted your sleep, then you could find yourself feeling unwell more often as you are less able to fend off bacteria and viruses.
Muscle Pain
When we feel tired, our bones can start to ache, and this could be a result of tossing and turning throughout a night of disrupted sleep, or because you have a mattress that is old or not the right one for you.
If you are suffering from muscle and joints aches or pains, then you are unlikely to have a good night’s sleep. So, we recommend that you look at the size of your mattress and consider whether a less cramped bed may make for a more restful night. This is especially the case if you share your bed with someone else. Here is the difference between the two sizes to help you make your decision.
Weight Gain
Keeping your weight down and regularly exercising is something that many people struggle with, but not getting enough rest can make it considerably more difficult. Research has shown that those who sleep for less than seven hours a night are at a higher risk of being obese, and they tend to gain weight quicker.
Therefore, getting enough sleep can help keep you fit and healthy and reduce your risk of becoming overweight, which can lead to a series of additional health problems.
Not getting enough sleep that is of good quality can have a huge impact on every aspect of your health and seriously damage it. Consider making some changes today.
*Contributed post.
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