Life
Getting enough sleep is important for your body, mind, and motions. But as much as you might love your bed, sometimes getting a good, full night's sleep can look less like an essential and more like a luxury you just can't afford. But how do you know if you're getting enough sleep (and quality sleep at that.) Well, when you don't, your body may start to exhibit some weird signs you're not sleeping enough.
In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called insufficient sleep a "public health problem." Although the actual hours of sleep people need each night can vary from person to person, most adults need between six and nine hours each night, depending on your age, among other factors, according to the Better Sleep Council. Getting enough sleep is important for functioning, memory, and other executive processes, though, according to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, researchers haven't definitely determined why humans sleep. Additionally, not getting enough sleep has been linked to the development of chronic (and some deadly) diseases and conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, according to WebMD. Obviously, sleeping enough is very important. Keep an eye out for these 13 signs you're not getting enough sleep and vow to go to bed a little bit earlier one day soon.
1
You Sound A Little Drunk
Have you ever noticed that when you don't sleep enough one night, the next day your speech suffers a bit? You're not imagining it. Terry Cralle, the national spokesperson for the Better Sleep Council, told Greatist that not sleeping enough can cause slurred speech and a difficulty finding words. Struggling to articulate thoughts and haven't had a drink lately? You might just need to spend a little more quality time with your pillow and blanket.
2
You Pack On The Pounds
If you've noticed that you've gained a bit of weight lately, but aren't sure why, it may be because you're not sleeping enough. According to findings from the 2004 Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, less sleep is associated with higher a body mass index (BMI). Getting some more sleep can help your body weight stabilize.
3
You Feel A Little Under The Weather
Catching more colds than usual lately? According to a 2015 study led by a University of San Francisco sleep researcher (in collaboration with researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh), people who sleep six hours or less a night are about four times more likely to catch a cold than those who sleep more. Pass the tissues.
4
You Pick Fights With People
Sleep deprivation can leave you feeling irritable. If you notice that you're moodier than normal or picking fights, you may need some more sleep. University of California - Berkeley researchers found that couples fight more when one of the other didn't sleep enough the night before.
5
You're Impulsive
Paris Geller impulsively pierced her nose after not getting into her dream college, but if you find yourself acting without thinking, it might be because you're sleep deprived, according to Health.
6
Your Skin Is A Mess
You know that hormones, makeup, and many other things can affect your skin, but not getting enough sleep can also take a tole on your face. According to a study published in Clinical and Experimental Psychology, poor sleeping habits can make you look older. It's called beauty sleep for a reason.
7
You Have No Desire To Have Sex
When you're exhausted, you probably don't want to do anything other than rest. If you don't feel up to having sex when you're sleep deprived, you're not alone. According to a 2011 study published in Brain Research, sleep deprivation lowers testosterone in men, which can decrease their sex drives.
8
You Lose Things
Can't find your keys only to later find them in your hand? Your sunglasses are lost on top of your head? You might just be tired. In the aforementioned Health article, Dr. Chris Winter, owner of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, said that without enough sleep, your brain might not pay attention while making short-term memories. That's why you're walking around looking for your keys while they're in your other hand.
9
You're Clumsy
If you find yourself dropping or bumping into things after a less-than-stellar night's sleep, it might be because you're tired. Shelby Freedman Harris, director of Behavioral Sleep Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, told YouBeauty that sleep deprivation causes issues with motor skills, which is what makes you clumsier than usual.
10
You're A Bit Weepy
Sleep deprivation can make you emotional. If you're feeling weepier than usual and can't come up with a reason as to why, Prevention noted that it may be because sleep deprivation makes it harder to manage your emotions. There's nothing wrong with having a good cry.
11
You Feel Like You're Starving
Feeling constantly hungry, even if you've eaten plenty, can be a sign that you're not sleeping enough. According to the same Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study mentioned above, less sleep leads to less of the hormone that suppresses appetite and more of the hunger-causing hormone. Great.
12
You Have A Headache
Headaches are fairly horrible and are a good sign that something's not quite right. Those who regularly sleep less than six hours a night are more likely to suffer from migraines and headaches, according to a 2005 study published in Headaches.
13
You're Constantly Annoyed
Cranky without a good night's sleep? Lauren Hale, associate professor of preventive medicine in the public health department at Stonybrook University and editor-in-chief of Sleep Health, told Real Simple that not getting enough sleep does make you cranky and annoyed. It also makes it more difficult for you to handle small annoyances that crop up over the course of the day.
