We have all been there. Cramming the night before an exam, staying out with some friends a little later than expected, or watching one too many Netflix episodes because we “need to know what happens!”
And then we inevitably get to bed late and sleep for five, maybe six, hours.
This is an entirely understandable situation if it happens every once in a while. But we need to be mindful not to let sleep deprivation become prolonged. According to the CDC, “more than a third of American adults [do not get] enough sleep on a regular basis” (2016). It can be challenging (and un-fun!) to prioritize sleep, however, getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night can vastly improve the quality of our life.
Here are five reasons why enough sleep is so crucial for our wellbeing:
1. Stronger immune system
2. Improved athletic performance
3. Better productivity
4. Better memory
5. Decreased stress
And here are a few ways sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on health:
1. Greater risk for heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes
2. Greater risk for obesity
3. Links to depression