Sleep Deprivation: What Happens When You Sleep Less Than 7 Hours?

Sleep Deprivation: A good quality of sleep is crucial for your overall well-being. At the time when you sleep, your body works very hard to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. Scientists also note that in children and teens, sleep contributes positively to supporting growth and development. However, a poor or inadequate amount of sleep can raise your risk of developing chronic health problems.

"Deep sleep allows our brains to clear the toxins that accumulate during our waking hours," sleep medicine specialist Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer explains. "So that we don't develop neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease." Let's find out what happens to your body when you sleep less than 7 hours:

1. Fatigue: A poor sleeping pattern can result in fatigue, low energy and excessive sleepiness. According to Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer, she told the media, "If you wake up in the morning and you aren't refreshed, and you feel exhausted or are yawning excessively during the day, those are all signs of insufficient sleep or another sleep disorder."
2. Poor coordination: When you sleep less than 7 hours, you may often find yourself stumbling more often when compared to the days you slept well. This is because sleep deprivation can affect the way you walk. A 2021 study published in the journal Nature found that a lack of sleep can affect your sense of balance.
3. Forgetfulness: Scientists claim that sleep deprivation can cause neurological disturbances like blurred vision, memory lapse, and poor reaction time. Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer explains, "When sleep is interrupted or cut short by going to bed too late or not getting eight hours in bed at night, your brain isn't able to properly catalog its memories."
4. Face wrinkles: Sleep deprivation can also change your appearance. If you regularly have a poor sleeping pattern, it can cause dark undereye circles, drooping eyelids, pale skin, red eyes and swollen or puffy eyes. Experts say that there is a link between lack of sleep and increase in cortisol. Therefore, when your cortisol level is high it may break down your collagen, a protein that keeps skin smooth. This means that sleep deprivation could mean more wrinkles.
5. Weight gain: Lack of sleep is also one of the major reasons for weight gain and obesity. Experts say that poor night sleep can make you crave sweets and snacks, which can lead to excessive weight gain over time. Previous studies found that people who got high-quality sleep were more likely to shed extra weight than people who were sleep deprived.

How To Combat Sleep Deprivation?

"Adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night not just once in a while," Dr. Foldvarey-Schaefer says. "If you're not getting that, you're likely chronically sleep deprived. It's the most common cause of tiredness in our society today."

If you're struggling to get good quality sleep, then there are certain things you can do to help you achieve seven to eight hours. From creating a nighttime routine to avoiding some food items like alcohol, coffee, etc., being mindful of your habits can help you combat sleep deprivation.