ARTICLE 1: SLEEP, A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT IN LONG-TERM HEALTH
We can be anyone, and everyone has their own story. Some of us may try to work a few extra hours in the evening or spend time on a hobby. Some may stay awake all night for a few nights and think it is fine because they can catch up on sleep later. But never underestimate the importance of sleep.
Sleep deprivation may contribute to chronic diseases and even more serious long-term health problems. The danger is that when these problems arise, they often develop silently, leaving us unprepared.
Fatigue, inability to concentrate and irritability are the most common and obvious symptoms associated with sleep deprivation. But these are only the visible part of the “iceberg.” Not getting enough sleep also contributes to many chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, stroke and depression. Poor sleep may also increase the risk of sudden incidents involving traffic accidents or machinery-related injuries.
Like food and water, sleep is a basic need. Good-quality sleep not only helps You feel rested, refreshed and ready for a new day; it also helps heal and restore muscles and tissues and provides energy to vital organs, including the brain.
SERIOUS HARM THAT MAY OCCUR WHEN YOU DO NOT SLEEP HEALTHILY
Reduced cognitive ability and memory
Lack of sleep directly affects concentration and makes it harder to make accurate decisions. Sleep helps organize information in the brain and consolidate memory. Sleep deprivation may seriously impair Your ability to remember and absorb information.
Reduced immune function
You spend a lot of money and time on regular health checkups. But inside Your own body there is also a team of “doctors” that constantly monitors Your health — the immune system.
The immune system helps Your body regularly eliminate threats, including incorrectly duplicated cells (the origin of cancer cells). In the short term, You may not realize how serious a damaged immune system can be, but over time a weakened immune system may lead to extremely serious health problems.
Increased risk of chronic diseases
Including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Insomnia may also disrupt hormones that control hunger and satiety, causing weight gain and obesity. Poor sleep reduces the body’s ability to control blood sugar and increases the risk of diabetes.
Mental-health damage and negative psychological effects
Poor and insufficient sleep most obviously makes You irritable, causes mood swings and makes emotions harder to control. Sleep deprivation also reduces nervous-system function and increases the risk of depression, anxiety disorders and other mental-health problems.