The Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation
The physical effects of sleep deprivation can take their toll on virtually all parts of the body in one way or another. Some of these effects are quite obvious, like feeling tired and run down the next day. Other physical effects are not as noticeable as they are happening, such as lowered resistance to disease.
While everything about sleeping is not understood, major strides have been made. For example, some body processes require a full sleep cycle before they do what they should. If sleep does not progress through all stages of sleep then these systems are incapable of running at 100%.
Getting a full night's sleep and waking refreshed feels good. But staying awake all night, tossing and turning, and just wishing we could get some sleep does not have the same effect. It dulls our reaction time, makes us short-tempered, and clouds our thinking. None of these things are really that serious on their own. The real problem is when any of them impair our judgment and put us in danger. Driving while tired, or operating heavy machinery without the full attention it deserves is a sure recipe for disaster.
It may surprise you to learn that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a decrease in the stretchiness of the skin, leading to wrinkles. A change in skin pigmentation can also occur. This is just one example of how one bodily system can be affected by a severe lack of sleep.
We can feel a difference after only one bad night. Just imagine all of the things going on inside of you that you don't know about. None of this is to make you worry, but rather to get across the point that sleep deprivation is something serious, and should not be taken lightly.
Of course, if it is infrequent then you may be able to live with it. But, there is a chance that it is more frequent than you think. This is because you are not always conscious of your insomnia. Yes, you could be getting only a fraction of the sleep you think you are getting. The only way to find out for sure is with a sleep study. This is a great way to find out if you have sleeping conditions that require further treatment. Sleep studies are gaining in popularity, so it shouldn't be difficult to get your doctor to recommend one.
Again, the physical effects of sleep deprivation are no laughing matter. Having a restless night or two during the week, or feeling rundown during the day without being sure why, means a talk with your doctor is in order. If he flippantly suggests a prescription as a quick fix, then be sure to ask for a sleep study. A prescription can get you to sleep, but it can't reveal other underlying problems like a sleep study can. Think of it as a choice between a temporary quick-fix and discovering a long-term solution. The former is found in a pill, the latter can lead to a good night's sleep for life.
About the Author: How can a set of 850 year old exercises help you sleep? Find out here at TheInsomniaCode.com! Also, get your FREE report on the shocking sleeping pill facts the drug companies are trying to keep from you by clicking here
More articles by scarte65
Print Article | Download PDF | 13 views | Jul 23 2008
|
|
