Negative Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Many people find that there are not enough waking hours to complete all that they need to do. In order to get extra chores done, many don't get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep may result from a nervous, wandering mind or it may result from a furious workload. But whatever the cause is, getting adequate sleep is as important as eating a healthy diet and exercising.

Here are some of the negative effects of sleep deprivation:

• It affects the cognitive processes such as alertness, attention, concentration, reasoning and problem solving in many ways. It takes more time to learn efficiently. It also affects memory.
• It can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
• Lack of sleep can result in lower libidos and less interest in sex. Sleepiness, fatigue and increased tension may be to blame.
• It decreases optimism and sociability.
• It also leads to increased food consumption and appetite.
• Sleep deprivation leads to a weakened immune system making one susceptible to illness.
• Lack of sleep can lead to lacklustre skin, fine lines and dark circles under the eyes.

If you're someone who is chronically tired and view sleep as a waste of time, it is about time you change the way you think about sleep!