The Daily Disadvantages of Inadequate Sleep

The Secret to Better Health is Better Sleep

An alarming recent statistic shows that one in three suffer from not getting the right amount of sleep or good quality sleep. The same study found that stress in our daily lives, paired with digital devices and spending too much time working are the three main causes of lack of sufficient sleep. Despite many of us understanding that not getting enough adequate rest can have negative effects on our bodies and brains, few grasp how profound these consequences may be. A weak immune system, lapses in mental health, and increased chance of heart disease are all symptoms of not resting well or not resting enough. Below, we'll examine a few of the multitude of negative effects that bad sleep practices can have on our lives. 

The Central Nervous System

The body's central nervous system, consisting of the spinal cord and brain and responsible for controlling the body's movement and analysis of our external environment, can be profoundly impacted by not lack of sleep. Creativity, decision making, our ability to control our emotions as well as several other responsibilities of the central nervous system, can all be inhibited by sleep deprivation. In addition, long periods of inadequate sleep can bring on hallucinations and mania in those who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Neurological pathways are developed while we sleep to help us retain and process information. The brain is left exhausted and unable to function properly when we don't sleep well. 

The Endocrine System

Hormone production at large is deeply affected by not sleeping correctly. Testosterone and growth hormones are among the two most affected components inhibited by a lack of quality rest. Aiding in the repair of tissue and cells as well as growing muscle mass, growth hormones are especially impacted by not getting enough sleep or inadequate sleep, particularly in children and adolescents. In addition, Testosterone requires at least three hours of sleep, the amount of time it takes to complete a cycle of REM sleep, to begin production. 

The Digestive System

Sleep deprivation can lead to obesity or becoming overweight due to the relationship between digestive aiding components within the body. When we don't sleep enough, or how we should, there is an increase in ghrelin, a hormone responsible for increasing the appetite, while lowering levels of leptin, which is tasked with informing us when we've had enough. Inadequate sleep can also promote insulin production which increases the storage of fat and could lead to developing type 2 diabetes.

The Immune System

Not getting enough quality sleep can result in longer recovery times from sickness and physical injury. Sleep deprivation can also inhibit your immune system's ability to fend off a variety of bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body. The odds of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease are greatly increased when we aren't sleeping enough or the way we should. The immune system produces cytokines when we sleep that aid in preventing harmful elements from entering the body. 

Get Quality Sleep with My Green Mattress

Now that we've taken a look at some of the ways that not getting enough sleep or quality sleep can affect you, you may be wondering how you can manage to achieve better rest to avoid these consequences. Many sleep researchers recommend increasing exposure to natural light during daylight hours, using natural supplements such as lavender, valerian root, or magnesium, and abstaining from both food and caffeine late in the day. A new mattress can also help optimize your environment for achieving the best rest possible. Here at My Green Mattress, we offer all-natural, handcrafted mattresses with a 100 Night Sleep Trial to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up better rested. Visit My Green Mattress online to shop our selection and to find out just how our products can enhance your sleep cycle.

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