Are you tossing and turning at night? Do you wake up every morning feeling drowsy? If you’re not getting enough sleep at night, it can lead to other problems. From lowered sex drive to weight gain, getting enough shuteye is more crucial than you probably think.
Here’s a look at some of the things that can happen when you don’t get enough sleep.
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You can get sick easier
Without enough rest, your body can’t fight off illness. Essentially, your body is too tired to keep you healthy, which makes you more susceptible to cold and flu.
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You hurt your heart
Research shows that getting less than five hours of sleep each night can actually hurt your heart. Chances of developing coronary heart disease or a stroke increase with a lack of sleep.
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Your cancer risk increases
Limited sleep is associated with higher rates of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night is the best way to avoid this problem.
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You have sluggish thoughts
A good night’s sleep is restorative. Without it, your body struggles to make it through the day and that includes your brain. Cognitive function is impaired when a lack of sleep occurs. Your memory, decision-making, reasoning, and problem-solving skills all suffer.
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Your sex drive drops
If you’re tired, the idea of having sex sounds like a monumental task rather than a fun way to connect with your partner. Research shows those who get less than five hours of sleep each night have reduced hormone levels too, which also contributes to the problem.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it might be time to find a solution. Whether you try a sleep aid like Melatonin, add a noise machine to your bedroom, or speak with your doctor about ongoing sleep issues, the problem should be addressed quickly.
