Sleep is an important aspect of our daily lives. It helps our body recover after a long day and prepares us for the next day’s activities.

However, with our busy schedules and the pressure to meet up with our daily task, sleep tends to take a back seat, and the consequence of this is often underestimated. As the world continues to evolve, the importance of sleep is gradually becoming a hot topic, and scientists have, in recent years, dug into the impact of lack of sleep on human health.

One profound discovery is the connection between lack of sleep and a 56% increase in mortality risk.

What is sleep?

Sleep is a natural state of rest for the body and mind. It is the time when the brain and other body organs repair and restore damaged tissues.

While sleeping, the heart rate slows down, and the body’s ability to fight infections and other illnesses increases. This process is crucial for overall health and well-being, as it allows the body to rejuvenate and heal itself naturally.

How much sleep do you need?

The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, health, and personal preference.

However, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. This helps the body to function optimally and to maintain good health.

The effects of lack of sleep on the body

When we do not get enough sleep, our body reacts in several ways, which can lead to severe health consequences. Here are some of the effects of lack of sleep on the body:.

1. Increase in inflammation

Lack of sleep is known to increase inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, when it becomes chronic, it can lead to several health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

2. Negative impact on mental health

Sleep is essential for our mental health and overall well-being. When we do not get enough sleep, it can cause anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

3. Immune system failure

When we sleep, our immune system works to protect our bodies from illness and infection. Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and make the body vulnerable to various diseases.

4. Mental fatigue and decreased productivity

Insufficient sleep can affect our ability to think clearly, concentrate, and make decisions. It also leads to mental fatigue, which affects productivity at work or in other areas of life.

The surprising connection between lack of sleep and an increase in mortality risk

A recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that people who sleep less than six hours a night are at a higher risk of dying early than those who get seven to eight hours of sleep.

The study, which included over 21,000 participants, revealed that sleeping less than six hours per night increased the risk of an early death by 56%.

The study also found that people who sleep longer than eight hours per night had a 25% increase in mortality risk than those who get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

This suggests that both too much and too little sleep can be harmful to our health, and it is essential to maintain a consistent, adequate sleep pattern.

How lack of sleep can lead to early death

Several factors can contribute to the link between lack of sleep and early mortality. These include:.

1. Heart disease and stroke

A lack of sleep can increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. This is because when we sleep, the heart slows down, and blood pressure reduces, which gives the heart a break.

However, when we do not get enough sleep, the heart works harder, and this can lead to an increase in blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

2. Unhealthy eating habits

Lack of sleep can lead to an increase in stress hormones, which can cause us to crave unhealthy foods and gain weight. This can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

3. Mental health issues

Lack of sleep can lead to various mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, which can affect our overall health and well-being and increase the risk of early mortality.

4. Weakened immune system

When we sleep, our immune system works to protect our bodies from infections and diseases. However, when we do not get enough sleep, our immune system becomes weakened, making us vulnerable to illnesses and infections.

Conclusion

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, and lack of sleep can have severe consequences. The link between lack of sleep and early mortality should not be underestimated, and it is essential to maintain a consistent, adequate sleep pattern.

By doing this, we can reduce the risk of developing health complications and enjoy a long, healthy life.