You may have heard people getting by with just 5 hours of sleep everyday and brag about it. Isn’t it? Maybe you may have felt jealous about it or perhaps you were the one bragging? Nevertheless, research says that there is nothing to brag about it. According recent scientific studies, a lack of sleep results in serious changes in the human body that increases the risk of health problems such as diseases, obesity, and early death. So, in case you find it difficult to get more than 4-5 hours of sleep despite having the time, try to visit a sleep clinic as soon as possible. This is because in that case, you will need the help of a professional to figure out what prevents you from sleeping.

Sleep is important for the human body for a number of reasons. When we are asleep, the brain releases certain compounds and hormones that help us in decreasing risk of diseases, managing hunger, maintaining immune system, and retaining memory.

There is no way we can catch up the loss of sleep. By consistently skipping six hours of sleep every night, we are at a greater risk of health problems.

The importance of sleeping seven to eight hours

There are a number of reasons why it is so crucial to sleep properly for at least 7 to 8 hours every night. In this article, we put together all of these reasons for you.

According to research, those who sleep for less than 5-7 hours every night have a 12% greater chance of early death as compared to those who sleep lesser. At the same time, those who sleep for more than 8-9 hours have an even higher risk of death early death that is 30% or more.

There are a number of reasons why sleeping for 8 hours is important. These include the following:

Sleep helps us in managing appetite

By poor sleeping, the body’s appetite increases due to increased energy needs. When we are asleep, the movement is reduced so there is minimum need for calories. However, when we are sleep deprived, we are in constant need of calories. Hence, the brain starts to signal hunger. This can lead to more eating, less exercise, and consequently, higher weight.

At the same time, it also increases the blood pressure and hence increases the risk of stroke if this habit is maintained overtime.

Sleep regulates the immune system

When we are asleep, our immune system releases cytokines. Cytokines basically act as a protective effect on the immune system by fighting off inflammation due to the infections.

When we do not get enough sleep, the body runs low on cytokines as a result of which the antibodies in our body get lesser. As a result of this, the immune system suffers. In this way, 8 hours of sleep regulates the immune system which then protects us from a wide range of ailments and diseases. This is the prime reason why people who do not get enough sleep have a greater risk of developing infections and diseases.

So, the next time you think about cutting off your sleeping time, know that it is going to have adverse effects on your health.

Conclusion

Now that you know how dangerous it is to avoid sleep and to sleep lesser than 8 hours, make sure that you are getting enough sleep. In case you still find it difficult to fall asleep, get yourself checked for any underlying conditions. In this regard, you will have to talk to a sleep specialist columbia regarding your system. The sleep specialist will then perform a checkup and help you in getting your sleep back.