Tool Box Talk: Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation

Of all of the damaging activities and habits that we can develop that will harm the body, perhaps none is more overlooked than sleep deprivation.

Failure to get an adequate amount of sleep each night can cause serious effects to our mental and physical well-being.

Sleep deprivation can affect your mood, cause you to be irritable, and make it harder to concentrate.

7 Little Known Dangers of Sleep Deprivation

When we don’t get enough sleep, it’s common to feel tired and run-down. What many people don’t realize is that long-term sleep deprivation not only makes you feel bad, it can be downright dangerous as well.

Sleep Deprivation Danger #1: Increased Risk of Illness

Studies have shown that people who are sleep-deprived are more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and the flu.

This is generally attributed to the fact that the immune system becomes somewhat compromised without adequate sleep.

Without a strong immune system, the risk of illness and infection increases.

Sleep Deprivation Danger #2: Increased Risk of Auto Accidents

Sleep deprivation is responsible for thousands of automobile accidents every year.

In fact, traffic accidents caused by sleepy drivers are not only equal in frequency to those caused by drunk drivers, but they tend to result in more serious accidents, because a person who falls asleep while driving isn’t able to react to emergency situations.

This is a danger not only to the person themselves, but to everybody else on the road.

Sleep Deprivation Danger #3: Increased Risk of Work and Industrial Accidents

Disasters can occur when workers don’t get enough sleep. Industrial accidents can easily occur when workers either fall asleep at machinery controls, or have poor judgment skills as a result of being overly tired.

Either one of these situations can cause harm not only to the worker, but also to those around them who are depending on them to do their job safely.

Sleep Deprivation Danger #4: Impaired Decision-Making Skills

Sleep deprivation can seriously affect a person’s mental abilities.

Studies have shown that when a person is overly tired, they don’t make the same types of decisions that they make when they are well-rested, and they also make decisions much more slowly.

Sleep Deprivation Danger #5: Weight Gain

Studies have shown that long-term sleep deprivation can actually cause a person to gain weight.

This is because lack of sleep causes hormone imbalances, which can increase a person’s appetite and make a person feel less satisfied, both of which cause overeating.

Consistent overeating can lead to both obesity and diabetes.

Sleep Deprivation Danger #6: Affects on Mood and Other Psychological Issues

Lack of sleep can cause mental problems, including depression and mood alterations. Your body depends upon sleep to help process emotions and feelings.

While sleeping, the brain processes emotions, separating them from the memory of the events that caused them. Upon waking, a person is able to be objective about their emotions.

Without giving the brain the opportunity to perform this processing task, a person is susceptible to mood swings, and as a result, impaired judgment and perception can occur.

Sleep also releases various neurotransmitters, without which an imbalance can occur, which can cause mood swings, emotional instability, and other psychological disorders, including hallucinations.

Sleep Deprivation Danger #7: Memory and Concentration

Memory is seriously compromised as a result of sleep deprivation. The brain processes information while sleeping, which facilitates learning and memorization.

Without giving the brain the sleep it needs to perform this process, it’s harder for a person to retain information.

Concentration levels are also decreased as a result of being tired, which can also affect a person’s ability to learn and remember things.

It may seem difficult to work sleep into a busy lifestyle, but it is vitally important to one’s overall well-being to do so.

The body has specific requirements for sleep, and when deprived, serious consequences can and do occur.

A FEW Tips to Help You Sleep Better

Keep to a Regular Sleep Schedule

Sticking to a regular routine of going to bed and getting up at around the same time each day helps to ensure a good’s night sleep

Use Techniques That Promote Relaxation

Some people find that there are some activities that promote relaxation and sleep. A warm bath before going to bed tends to relax most people.

Eating and Drinking Before Bedtime

While it is difficult to get a good night’s sleep when hungry, it’s also hard to sleep on a very full stomach.

Many sleep experts recommend eating a small high-protein snack a few hours before bedtime, along with a small piece of fruit.

Other Sleep-Inducing Techniques

There are plenty of other techniques that a person can use to insure a good night’s sleep.

Everybody is different, and nothing works for everybody, but there are some common techniques that work for most people.

It’s important to be comfortable while sleeping, so wearing something loose and soft to bed, and keeping the bedroom at a comfortable temperature can help a person sleep.

Many people find that they sleep better when the bedroom temperature is a little cooler.

These techniques, as well as other stress-reducing and relaxation-promoting activities, can be the key and “secret” to getting a great night’s sleep.

“The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions” Confucius

Thanks for the share, TO!