#homesleepstudy

The Effect Of Sleep Deficiency On Your Health

One night of poor sleep tends to leave us feeling out of sorts, but generally doesn’t have any impact on our health. However, if you regularly spend the night tossing and turning, or going to sleep late and getting up early, you could be putting yourself at more risk than you realize.

Although this list is by no means exhaustive, here are some of the main effects that sleep deficiency can have on your health:

Raised Blood Pressure If you get less than 5 hours of sleep each night, your risk of high blood pressure increases. High blood pressure, increased heart rate and higher levels of inflammation-causing chemicals have all shown to be linked, and all of these can put unnecessary strain on your heart.

Increased Risk Of Diabetes A lack of sleep affects your body’s ability to produce/release insulin, and this could mean that your blood sugar levels become dangerously high. This means that you have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Weakened Immunity Some research has shown that sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to catch viruses such as cold and flu. It also makes you less able to tackle more serious health problems should you be affected by any.

Weight Gain People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to overindulge than those who get enough rest each night. This happens for two reasons. Firstly, if you are tired you are more likely to want to eat – and in particularly carbohydrate-based foods – so that you can obtain more energy. Secondly, when you are sleep-deprived, the chemicals that tell your brain that you are no longer hungry don’t work efficiently, and this can lead to you over-eating. Obesity is a leading cause of many health problems, so getting enough sleep can be crucial in helping you to maintain your weight.

Sleep Deficiency And Driving

In order to be able to drive safely, we need to be alert and pay attention to our surroundings at all times. Reaction times are crucial for virtually every aspect of driving, from when to pull out of a junction or change lanes, to when to apply the brakes. Unfortunately, when you haven’t had enough sleep, it affects:

Our ability to pay attention to the road

Our ability to react quickly to unexpected events, such as needing to brake suddenly

Our ability to make good decisions about what to do on the road

This means that driving when tired could lead to us being poorer drivers than before, and when you are in a moving vehicle, the situation can quickly become extremely dangerous both for passengers inside the car with you, and people on the road and sidewalks around you. Just a few seconds of lapse of concentration could see you swerving across lanes, mounting pavements or plowing into the back of a stationary vehicle.

Warning Signs That You Are Driving Drowsy

If you experience any of the following, you are likely to be driving whilst tired and should pull over to rest as soon as it is safe and reasonable to do so:

Yawning frequently.

Blinking frequently.

Drifting across your lane.

Not remembering elements of your journey, which can mean you haven’t been paying attention to the road.

Seeming to suddenly be further into your journey than you expect, which again means that you may not have been paying attention.

Missing your exit.

Hitting the rumble strip on the side of the road.

Fortunately, good sleep habits and ensuring that you get enough rest every night can ensure that you don’t end up driving drowsy and putting yourself and others in danger.

How United Sleep Apnea Services Can Help

We understand just how important sleep is for you to be an active, healthy and happy individual. Our expert team can help you discover the obstacles that are preventing you from getting enough good quality sleep that is vital for your well being, and together, we will remove these hurdles so that you can enjoy the sleep that you need and deserve. Please contact our team today to schedule your consultation.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY INSOMNIA

It is estimated that around half the adult population will experience acute insomnia now and then, with 1 in 10 people developing chronic insomnia. Insomnia is more likely to develop in women and older people, though it can affect men and younger individuals as well. People who have certain health conditions are at a higher risk for insomnia; for instance, hypothyroidism and insomnia can be linked.

Other risk factors associated with an increased risk for insomnia include insufficient exercise, exposure to stress, irregular sleep schedule, obesity, as well as consuming caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications, among other factors.

THE PRIMARY DANGERS OF INSOMNIA

Insomnia can be dangerous and even fatal if left untreated. The National Institute of Health reports that insomnia can increase your risk for serious health conditions such as: stroke, seizures, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and a weakened immune system. Insomnia that is caused by certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, comes with an even higher risk for these issues.

Chronic insomnia can even shorten your life expectancy. A study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2015 found that untreated chronic insomnia can increase your chance of earlier death by 97%.

Insomnia can also impact your mental health. People who experience untreated insomnia are more likely to develop depression and anxiety.

Another dangerous element of insomnia is its impact on your ability to focus and perform during your daily life. People with insomnia will have a more difficult time concentrating and may even experience difficulty with their memory and judgement. People who have insomnia are at a higher risk for car and workplace accidents due to difficulty with concentration or falling asleep while driving.

TREATING INSOMNIA CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE

Due to the many dangers associated with insomnia, it is essential that you treat your insomnia as early as possible. The best treatment for your insomnia will depend on what is causing your symptoms.

If you are experiencing one or more signs of insomnia, then you should schedule a consultation as soon as possible. United Sleep Apnea Services will help you determine what is behind your insomnia.

Sleep apnea, which is a common cause of insomnia, can be relived using CPAP therapy, or other approved treatment pathways, such as Inspire, or Oral Appliance Therapy. A CPAP machine or another treatment pathway, could help reduce your sleep apnea related symptoms and help you get a better--and safer--night's rest.

WHAT CAN YOU DO