We are often told by medical experts how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is the body’s way of revitalizing itself, and good quality rest (between 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep) is vital for your health. Unless you are a member of the “sleepless elite“, you can’t adapt your body to sleep less, whatever your physiology or lifestyle. So, what happens when you don’t get enough sleep? Here are some common problems experienced by both men and women who suffer from a lack of sleep.
Decreased Concentration Levels
We have all been there. You watched too much TV last night and woke up groggy. A lack of sleep makes it very difficult to focus on tasks and learn new things. Indeed, The National Sleep Foundation claims that not getting your forty winks directly impairs your ability to perform at work or at school.
Put simply, a lack of sleep makes your brain work slower. Your ability to concentrate is very important, especially if you are driving on the road or operating heavy machinery. Try to rest before performing potentially dangerous tasks. For example, the worst injury of Jackie Chan’s career happened during a stunt that he performed while tired and jetlagged. If circumstances beyond your control have left you sleep-deprived, it is better to let someone know. Don’t risk an accident due to your lapse in concentration from lack of sleep.
Forgetfulness
Studies show that a lack of sleep can directly affect your existing memories. This is because memories are reactivated when the brain reboots while we sleep. Short-term memories are transferred to become long-term memories that we might hold onto for a lifetime. Less sleep can make you more forgetful and take away these memories.
Stay on top of this by getting regular, restful sleep without interruptions. Preparing for tests and applying new skills at work is much easier the more you remember.
Lack of Sleep & Loss Of Libido
Losing sleep can even have consequences for your personal relationships. Many of us who struggle to get enough rest also end up suffering from a loss of sex drive. Decreased interest in sex can have repercussions for any intimate relationship, alongside the other issues associated with a lack of sleep.
Try to make time for intimacy that does not interfere with your night’s rest before this becomes a problem for you and your partner.
ED
Though there are many physical and psychological causes, 36% of ED (erectile dysfunction) is caused by tiredness. This is another example of how a lack of sleep can have a direct impact on your intimate relationships and body confidence.
Dealing with personal issues such as ED can be very difficult. It is often easier to look for medical solutions privately to help put your mind at ease, rather than letting the situation escalate into a vicious cycle of ED worries keeping you awake and tiredness affecting your sex life. You should also consult with an expert, as there could be an underlying condition, like sleep apnea, that is affecting your sleep, libido, erectile state or all of the above.
Give Your Body The Sleep That It Needs
The 8-10 hours of sleep we have every night is vital to keep on top of your work and your personal life. Don’t be tempted by a ‘less-is-more’ approach to your rest as you may find that one or more of these problems could begin to manifest.
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