Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

Everyone has a night or two of restless or little sleep. But continued sleep deprivation is not normal or healthy. In the short term, sleep deprivation causes decreased performance and alertness. But over time, sleep deprivation causes serious health issues.

Are you suffering from these symptoms of sleep deprivation?

Fine lines on skin and dark circles under the eyes

Limited sleep causes your body to release too little human growth hormone, which increases muscle mass, thickens skin, and strengthens bones. Without proper sleep, the hormone isn’t released and the body isn’t able to repair itself.

Forgetfulness

When you’re tired, you’re generally not paying attention to the world around you. You might forget where you put your car keys, or forget about the big meeting. While you’re sleeping, the brain consolidates memory. Without adequate sleep you could lose those memories and important information too.

Cravings for high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods

Studies show that sleep is linked to the peptides, ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite. Ghrelin stimulates hunger and leptin suppresses appetite, but improper sleep decreases leptin and increases ghrelin. That means, your brain isn’t getting the signal to stop eating, thus cravings and weight gain.

Depression

Insomnia and depression are linked. Sleep aggravates depression, and vice versa. However, treatment of depression can help sleep, and vice versa.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, go see your doctor.