In today’s modern world, sleep is often considered to be a weakness by those that desire success. Despite the ambition of those that would exchange rest for more time to work on their projects, getting enough sleep is a necessity for long-term health, rather than a luxury for those who have won the game.
So, if you are wondering if those adjustable beds really are worth it, it is helpful to know how not getting the shuteye that you need can affect you negatively.
A lack of sleep…
…affects your ability to concentrate
When you do not get the sleep that you need, you won’t be able to focus optimally on tasks that require your full attention the following day.
The most worrying of these is one that you might take for granted: commuting to work by car. Studies have shown that those have not been able to get any rest over a 24-hour period performed the same on driving tests as those who had a BAC of 0.10.
Other studies have shown that the risk of getting into a car accident are the same for those driving drowsy and those driving drunk – both groups are twice as likely to get into a wreck as their sober and rested counterparts.
…stresses you out
Those that do not get the sleep they need are easier to rattle than those that are fully rested. Simple tasks suddenly become more difficult, and negative reactions to things going awry are magnified.
According to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, students that had reported short-tempered reactions after having gotten less than four and a half hours of sleep were much more even-keeled in their demeanor after getting a restful sleep the following night.
...impacts your overall mental health
As mentioned in the previous point, lacking the sleep that you require can increase the occurrence of negative emotions, but did you know that chronic insomnia can also lead to the development of serious mental issues?
It has been shown that chronic insomniacs are ten times more likely to develop severe depression than those that were able to fall asleep with no issues.
After a long string of nights with no or little sleep, frustration can give way to despair quicker than you might realize.
…puts you at risk for chronic health issues
If you accept a chronic sleep deficit as a cost of doing business over the long run, you will be putting yourself in danger of developing a number of dangerous health conditions.
Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, decreased immune function and several types of cancer are just a few of the maladies that can befall you if you ignore sleep as an essential piece of your wellness puzzle.