Millions of people worldwide sleep less than experts recommend. Long hours of work, phone use at night, and stress are among the factors that can reduce time off.
But what happens to the organism when sleep lasts less than six hours?
According to American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults between the ages of 18 and 60 need at least seven hours of sleep every night.
Insufficient sleep, especially when repeated for long periods, is linked to a number of health problems.
Your brain is among the first to feel the consequences
After a night of sleep, many people experience difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision - making.
According to the American National Institute of Health (NIH), sleep plays an important role in information processing and consolidating memories.
His absence may slow down reactions and increase the possibility of mistakes, especially during the direction of the vehicle or the performance of tasks requiring concentration.
Your Heart Can Be in Danger
The effects are not limited to the brain.
The American Heart Association (American Heart Association) views healthy sleep as one of the eight main factors for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Studies have linked insufficient sleep to higher risk for hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
However, experts stress that these are statistical ties and do not imply that any person who sleeps less than six hours will develop cardiovascular diseases.
Sleep deprivation can also affect weight
Another consequence involves metabolism and appetite.
According to NIH, sleep restriction can affect hormones that regulate hunger and a sense of satisfaction.
Few sleepers may experience a greater craving for high - calories foods.
Insufficient sleep has also been linked to higher risk for obesity and Type 2.
This does not mean that sleep deprivation causes automatic weight gain, but it can be a factor that makes control of it difficult.
The immune system is also affected
Sleep is important for normal immune function.
According to the CDC, sufficient sleep helps the body support protection against infections.
Studies suggest that those who sleep constantly may be more sensitive to certain infections.
Is six hours of sleep enough?
For most adults, six hours are not considered sufficient.
The American Sleep Medicine Academy recommends at least seven hours of regular sleep for adults, while individual needs may change.
Experts recommend maintaining a stable schedule, limiting caffeine in late hours, and avoiding electronic devices before bedtime.
A single night of sleep usually does not have the same consequences as its chronic absence.
However, when sleep under six hours becomes a part of the day - to - day process, it can gradually affect physical and mental health.
The expert's message is clear: Sleep is not time wasted but a biological need as important as food and physical activity.
