Sleep deprivation is doing more harm than you think. Here's how.

 



Aristotle, the great philosopher, once said, "It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom." Yet, in today's fast-paced world, many people overlook the importance of sleep whether it be staying up late to finish work or to binge-watch our favourite shows, only to wake up early the next morning and do it all over again. We do not realise the toll sleep deprivation may take on our body. However, we needn’t be led astray-sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Without it, we put our physical and mental health at risk and gamble the future of our health recklessly.

While it may be tempting to sacrifice sleep for other priorities, the consequences of sleep deprivation on the human body can be severe and go far beyond the human eye. According to a study, up to 70% of teenagers are sleep deprived, with most getting less than the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep each night. This insufficient lack of sleep can lead to a variety of adverse effects, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep deprivation can have serious implications for both physical and mental health with  the consequences of sleep deprivation going far beyond than just feeling tired. 

A recent study published in the United States National Library of Medicine found that sleep deprivation can have long-term effects on the immune system, leading to an increased risk of chronic illnesses. When we don't get enough sleep, our immune response can be suppressed, ultimately leaving us more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This consequently disrupts the hormones that regulate our metabolism, leading to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, adolescents who sleep for less than 7 hours a night are 50% more likely to be overweight or obese compared to those who sleep for 8–10 hours. 

In addition to damaging physical health consequences, sleep deprivation can also have a significant impact on our mental health. Teenagers who sleep for less than 8 hours a night have a 55% greater chance of experiencing symptoms of depression than those who sleep for 8 hours or more. Inadequate sleep has also been frequently linked to an increased risk of anxiety and other mental health disorders thus, it's important to prioritise sleep as a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being.

So, the next time you find yourself sacrificing sleep for other priorities, ask yourself: is it worth the consequences? Prioritising your sleep is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. By making getting enough sleep a daily habit in your hectic routine, you can improve your physical and mental health, reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses, and feel more energised and focused throughout the day.

In conclusion, the consequences of sleep deprivation on the human body are innumerable and severe. From weakening our immune system to increasing our risk of chronic illnesses and mental health disorders, sleep deprivation can have significant impacts on our overall well being. By prioritising our sleep, we can ensure that we are giving our bodies the rest they need to function at their best, both now and in the future, ceasing this generational plague that continues to haunt the human population.

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