How Sleep Deprivation Destroys Your Health
Aside from feeling groggy and far from refreshed, sleep deprivation has serious negative internal effects as well. When your body receives less than eight hours of quality, restful sleep each night, the following symptoms can result in a very short period of time:- Increased cortisol levels (your stress hormone), which promotes midsection weight gain and craving for stimulants such as caffeine and sugar
- Impaired focus, memory and concentration
- A suppressed thyroid and/or a slowed metabolism
- Caffeine, alcohol and sugar dependency
- The impaired ability to repair and regenerate tissues and cells
- Digestive issues such as constipation, acid reflux and bloating
- In prolonged cases, adrenal fatigue and extreme burnout/exhaustion can result