Discover the detrimental effects of not getting enough sleep. From physical health problems to cognitive impairment, learn about the serious consequences of sleep deprivation.

If you have been a client of mine for a while then you have almost certainly heard me talk about how sleep has been used as a torture method, so it stands to reason that with consistent issues sleeping you are going to feel like crap!!!

Sleep is a crucial part of our daily routine, it helps our body and mind recharge and restore. However, many people underestimate the importance of getting enough sleep and often sacrifice sleep for other activities. I for one have stayed up all night to finish work, have participated in the 5am club to get more done, but I also had a dominant night owl partner that liked to stay up all night and talk , even when I had a 6am start! etc etc, ..

In this post, we will discuss the side effects that lack of sleep can have on us.

1. Impaired cognitive function: Lack of sleep can affect our ability to think clearly and concentrate. It can also affect our memory and make it difficult to learn new information. Additionally, it can affect our decision-making skills, which can lead to poor judgment and bad choices.
2. Mood changes: Lack of sleep can also affect our mood and emotional well-being. It can cause irritability, mood swings, and increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Chronic sleep deprivation has also been linked to a higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
3. Weight gain: Lack of sleep can also lead to weight gain. It can affect our hormone levels and increase our appetite, leading to overeating and weight gain. Lack of sleep can also affect our metabolism, making it difficult to burn calories.
4. Weakened immune system: Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Lack of sleep can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and other infections.
5. Increased risk of chronic diseases: Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Lack of sleep can affect our blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of these diseases.
6. Accidents and injuries: Lack of sleep can impair our coordination, reaction time, and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. It can also affect our ability to drive safely, making us more likely to get into car accidents.

In conclusion, I can honestly say that I have had experience in all of the above and ALL at moments in my life when I was suffering a chronic lack of sleep.

Now you can see how not sleeping can have a wide range of negative effects on our physical and mental health, what can you do about it?

It is important to prioritize sleep and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure that our body and mind can function at their best. And NAPS!! Siestas! These are a very important additional boost that we MUST use when necessary.

Change your bedtime routine ! No screen time for at least an hour before bed, longer if possible!

No caffeine after 14.00 in the afternoon. Thats’ my personal rule! I know others make it earlier but with trial and error, I know 2pm is my limit.

Change your sheets weekly (at a minimum) Give your pillows a bash out the window to loosen any dust, even.

Vacuum your matress and pillows at least once a month.

Dust regularly around your bedroom especially your bed and sleeping area. I even add drops of lavender spray to cleanse and freshen. You could try these, they are lush!!

If you do these things and still find sleep has trouble coming to you then book a sleep switch session with me. In just 90 minutes we will be intitiating your subconscious slleping power and getting you moving towards, healthy regenerative sleep whenevr you choose!