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Sleeping Less Than 7 Hours Could Be Destroying Your Body—Here’s How to Fix It!

October 17, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, sleep often takes a back seat to our daily responsibilities, but consistently neglecting quality rest can have serious consequences. Even if you strive to improve your health in other areas, failing to prioritize sleep undermines all your efforts.

Sleep is critical for detoxifying the body, boosting brain function, enhancing alertness, and strengthening the immune system. Experts recommend that adults aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

However, when you regularly fall short of this, you may begin to experience the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, including:

  • Weight gain

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Weakened immune system

  • Mood swings and irritability

  • Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks

Chronic sleep deprivation takes a heavy toll on both the mind and body, contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome—a condition marked by chronic inflammation, which can lead to heart disease, obesity, and insulin resistance, setting the stage for type 2 diabetes. Moreover, hormonal imbalances caused by insufficient sleep increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

According to sleep experts Stacy M. Peterson and Brooke L. Werneburg from Mayo Clinic:

“Sleeping less than seven hours a night is associated with weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, among other health risks. In addition, when you don’t get enough sleep, you may experience increased body aches and pains, reduced immune function, and impaired performance at work. All of these problems can have a ripple effect on your daily habits.”

Prescription sleep aids may seem like a solution, but their benefits are often minimal and can come with unwanted side effects. According to Mayo Clinic, common side effects include:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Headaches

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort (such as nausea or diarrhea)

  • Extended drowsiness (especially with medications designed for longer sleep)

  • Severe allergic reactions

  • Sleep-related behaviors (such as sleepwalking or sleep-eating)

More serious side effects include rare conditions called parasomnias, where individuals engage in dangerous activities like sleep-driving or sleep-sex without being fully aware.

Fortunately, there are several easy steps you can take to improve both the quality and quantity of your sleep:

  1. Establish a Consistent Routine: Our bodies thrive on routine, so try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

  2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Avoid exposure to electronic devices or artificial light at least 60-90 minutes before sleep. This helps your body restore melatonin levels, which are essential for restful sleep.

  3. Calm Your Mind: Engage in relaxing activities, like reading or meditating, to quiet your mind and prepare for a good night’s rest.

  4. Create a Dark Sleep Environment: Even small amounts of light can disrupt melatonin production. Make sure your bedroom is completely dark to promote deep, restorative sleep.

  5. Try Magnesium Supplements: Magnesium can help relax your body and improve your ability to fall and stay asleep.

  6. Consider Melatonin Supplements: If your body lacks melatonin, supplementation may help you fall asleep faster and support immune function.

  7. Lower the Room Temperature: A cooler room mimics the body’s natural temperature drop at night, helping you fall asleep more comfortably.

By following these strategies, you can significantly improve your sleep and, in turn, boost your overall well-being.