A good night’s sleep is important for our overall health. How much sleep we need varies – but the bottom line is that we need it every night!
A few nights of sleep loss can lead to deterioration of both your physical as well as mental well-being. And just one night of bad sleep creates the biggest jump in symptoms. So that means if you’re sleep-deprived during the week, and then when you try to “catch up” and sleep in on the weekends is something to avoid.
Getting more rest on the weekend won’t help for the week – because that first night of poor sleep will significantly change how well you can function.
And it’s not like you’re staying up all night – sleep loss is defined as about 90 minutes of restlessness. Researchers have found losing sleep produces feelings of anger, nervousness, loneliness, irritability, and frustration. Physical symptoms were found as well – upper respiratory issues, aches, and gastrointestinal issues.
Those mental and physical health symptoms remained elevated with each night of sleep loss and didn’t return to normal until those studied had a night of sleep lasting more than six hours.
Nearly a third of us get less than six hours a night, and it’s a habit that’s hard to break – but the sooner you start getting the rest you need, the better you’ll feel!
Image Credit: fizkes / iStock / Getty Images Plus