Have you forgotten more than usual lately? Do your jeans feel a bit tighter than last time? Has someone pointed out that you're tripping over the threshold - again? It could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep. And in the long run, it's actually more dangerous than you might think.
Too little sleep puts your body under stress - and can affect your health and longevity in the long run. After a night of poor sleep, most of us get a bit grumpy, fidget more than usual and experience less enthusiasm. That's OK - a nap at lunch or an early evening will restore your sleep account. But after a long period of too few hours of sleep, many of the body's functions begin to be adversely affected.
Are you sleeping too little? We've listed three warning bells to keep an eye out for.
Unexplained weight gain
Not getting enough deep sleep during the night changes your body's insulin resistance and how your body tolerates glucose. Result? Weight gain. Being tired also signals the brain that it needs more energy to stay awake. This increases appetite - but satiety doesn't set in.
Difficulty focusing, poorer memory
Our brain needs sleep to function optimally. With too little sleep, the brain's functions deteriorate. Memory and concentration are two of the first functions to be affected. Having trouble focusing impairs your driving and, in the worst case, can lead to accidents. And that forgetting thing causes trouble for more than just yourself.
Less sex
Too little sleep affects our hormone levels, which in turn reduces sex drive. Higher stress levels in the body make us less responsive to the pleasure signals that normally influence the desire for intimacy and physical contact.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of any of the above, sleep deprivation could be the culprit. On the plus side, you can catch up on sleep pretty quickly. In fact, an early night or a long morning's sleep is better than a fifth cup of coffee to keep you going! Good night!