How Does Sleep Deprivation Affect Your Health?

How Does Sleep Deprivation Affect Your Health?

Doctors recommend that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, but more than one third of Americans fall well below that mark. If you are not getting enough sleep, you should alert your doctor and explore solutions to address your sleep deprivation. If sleep apnea is to blame for your lost sleep, then your doctor may refer you to your Tucson dentist for an effective, non-invasive treatment option. To learn the dangers of sleep deprivation, read on for a look at how losing sleep impacts your health.

Memory Loss and Reduced Comprehension

When you don’t sleep enough at night, you may have a harder time concentrating and taking in new information during the day. Your brain files away memories and information as you sleep, so when you don’t sleep as much as you should, you’re likely to be more forgetful and have a difficult time learning efficiently.

Weight Gain

Sleep loss and weight loss don’t mix. In fact, sleeping less than six hours per day makes you 30 percent more likely to be obese. When you are running on low sleep, you may be more likely to crave unhealthy foods and give into those cravings. It may also be more challenging to exercise, since you may feel chronically fatigued.

Increased Accident Risk 

There is a reason that workers in the transportation industry must work a certain number of hours prior to their shifts. Losing sleep increases the risk of accidents on the road. Fatigue reduces your reaction time and makes you more likely to get distracted behind the wheel.

Depression 

Depression and anxiety are both more common in individuals who consistently get less than six hours of nightly sleep. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety can also be the cause of insomnia, so the problem may compound over time without medical treatment.

There are many potential causes for sleep deprivation, but if you are struggling with chronic snoring and sleep apnea, Dr. John R. Carson, DDS can help. Our Tucson dental office provides sleep apnea treatment using custom oral appliances designed to help you breathe easier while you sleep, offering relief to both you and your partner. Schedule a consultation in our office by calling (520) 514-7203.