Are You Sleep Deprived?

Sleeping is one of the most important things that we can do for our bodies.

While sleep deprivation has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, mental illness and even death, the more immediate and noticeable effects include fatigue, daytime sleepiness and clumsiness.

The scary thing is that most people who are sleep deprived may not even know it and it's not long before being tired can feel normal.

Here are five facts that you may or may not have known about sleep:

1. Lack of sleep may contribute to obesity - this is because of the release of two key hormones (ghrelin and leptin) which help to regulate appetite;
2. The record for the longest period without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes. This occurred during a rocking chair marathon;
3. Seventeen hours of sustained wakefulness leads to a decrease in performance equivalent to a blood alcohol-level of 0.05%;
4. Body temperature and the brain's sleep-wake cycle are closely linked - that's why we can find it more difficult to sleep during hot summer nights;
5. Ducks are able to balance their need for sleep and survival by keeping one half of their brain awake while the other slips into sleep mode.

So how do you know if you're sleep deprived? Ask yourself these simple questions:

1. How long does it take for you to fall asleep at night?
2. Do you feel sleepy during the day?

Research suggests that if you don't feel sleepy during the day, and if it only takes you between 5 - 15 minutes to fall asleep, then you're all good.

If on the other hand, you fall asleep the moment you jump into bed or if you feel drowsy during the day, or if you're finding that you need a couple of cups of coffee before you can function, then these can all be indications that you're sleep deprived.

In our next blog, we'll explore what is the optimal amount of sleep for you.

Until then, do yourself a favour and enjoy your sleep!