We all know that if we don´t have enough sleep we are not up to our best.  It is not a problem if it happens once in a while that we don´t sleep a full night. Might have to work late, when you have babies or there is just a night out.

If you are not getting enough sleep night after night, then you are in trouble.  i have had periods where did not sleep more than a few hours every night.  It will get you in the end.

Here is a summary of what happens if you are sleep deprived for a longer period:

Early studies have linked lack of sleep to both colorectal and aggressive breast cancers.

Many studies have suggested a link between chronic sleep deprivation and increased obesity risk.  One reason could be that we become hungrier and are likely to eat more.

• Diabetes Risk goes up
• Heart disease risk increases
• Sperm count decreases

Research has linked sleep deprivation to the likelihood of loading up on bigger portions. Preferring high calorie and high carb foods. With a greater chance of choosing unhealthy foods while shopping groceries.

•  More likely to have an accident
•  Not looking your best – or your best appearance
• More likely to catch a cold
• Loose brain tissue

A recent study of 15 men in the journal Sleep, linked just one night of sleep deprivation to signs of brain tissue loss.

• More likely to get emotional
• Less focused and having memory problems
• Risk of death goes up

A SLEEP study evaluating 1,741 men and women over the course of 10 to 14 years got a clear result . Men who slept fewer than six hours had a significant increase in mortality risk. This was even after adjusting for diabetes, hypertension and other factors.

The bottom line is that if you lose your sleep, you will little by little lose your mind and health.

So what can you do to change this?

Here is a blog I wrote about 5 simple ways to improve your sleep.  The key is to figure out what is the root of your troubles of sleeping. Until you find that cause, you will not find your balance in sleep.

Another blog I wrote suggested to try doing your activities, or exercises in the evening. For some this will make you tired and more likely to fall asleep when needed.  If exercise is not your thing, then going out for a long walk might do the trick. Here is a blog about why it is important to walk and be more active during your everyday life.

Finally, it recommend that you try to meditate. It will give you a chance to reflect on why you are not sleeping right, and get a more calm sense of your life. It will also help you calm before sleep.  Here is another blog I wrote about the benefits of meditation.

The importance is to recognize that your sleeping habits are not good. Take the first step in figuring out what you can do to change this. One step at a time.  There could also be bad habits that you need to face and change. Here is another blog I wrote about changing habits.

Lets sleep!