Sleep Depravation what can it cause!

There’s nothing fun about waking up exhausted. Sleep deprivation is a serious issue in the United States, with over a third of American adults suffering from a lack of sleep. It’s recommended to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and while we know this can be difficult given the vast array of responsibilities we have, it needs to be a priority. Your health and overall happiness can be greatly affected when you don’t get enough zzz’s. It’s not just a matter of feeling sluggish or desperately needing a cup (or two, or three) of coffee to get your thoughts rolling. It’s so much more than that, from weight gain to increased blood pressure. Yes, sleep is the glue that holds us together. It’s what keeps us motivated, enthusiastic, and ready to take on the world. Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity Get great Pillows.

Driving on little to no sleep can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. It’s a different type of impairment with the same tragic results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue causes approximately 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths every year in the United States.

Weight Gain

Yes, a lack of sleep can lead to some extra pounds for several reasons. No one feels like taking the time to cook a nutritious meal when they’re exhausted. What’s the easiest thing to do? Takeout, of course! While indulging in takeout every so often keeps us sane, it’s always best to cook meals at home. When you prepare your own dinner, you can control exactly which ingredients are used (and how much).

Some specific hormones are affected by a lack of sleep: “Ghrelin is the ‘go’ hormone that tells you when to eat, and when you are sleep-deprived, you have more ghrelin,” Breus says. “Leptin is the hormone that tells you to stop eating, and when you are sleep deprived, you have less leptin. You are eating more, plus your metabolism is slower when you are sleep-deprived.”

High Blood Pressure

One of the most serious possible side effects of sleep deprivation is high blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack. Sleeping less than six hours a night can increase your chance of developing this medical issue.  “It's thought that sleep helps your blood regulate stress hormones and helps your nervous system remain healthy. Over time, a lack of sleep could hurt your body's ability to regulate stress hormones, leading to high blood pressure.”

Stress Relief

Winding down...

It’s important to step back from your daily stresses, even if it’s just for an hour before bedtime. These tips can’t make all your stress disappear, but they can help you achieve a sense of balance throughout the day. So go enjoy a cup of tea in a clutter-free room, close your eyes and breathe.

Meditate

It’s so easy to get caught up in our everyday activities and obligations. It’s important to give ourselves some time to breathe and meditating is a perfect way to do that. Find a quiet spot in your home or outside, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing and how you’re feeling in that moment. Let go of all your worries and distractions. If you find yourself getting too restless with meditation, try yoga.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile can help you feel relaxed and in turn, promote a healthy night’s sleep. You can add a couple drops to water and spray your bedroom. Essential oils can also be used in the shower by adding a drop or two to the floor and smelling the calming aroma through the steam. Of course, simply smelling the oils from the bottle does the trick as well!