Trouble with sleeping is likely to be experienced by everyone at some point in their life, but when does it become a serious issue and can lack of sleep cause health problems? If these are questions that have been on your mind, make sure to read on to learn more.
Can lack of sleep cause health problems?
From past experience, a lot of people will know that even trouble sleeping once or twice in a row can leave you feeling irritable, lethargic and low. This can be bad enough, especially if you have a busy day ahead, but if the problem becomes more long-term, there can be more serious results in terms of your health. Long-term sleep issues can also exasperate other health conditions you might have. For this reason, here are some of the health problems you may face if you are struggling with a chronic lack of sleep.
1. High blood pressure
Ordinarily, if you get enough sleep, your blood pressure decreases during that time. If you have disrupted sleep or issues with sleeping then your blood pressure will remain at the increased level for longer. This may sound insignificant, but high blood pressure is actually one of the predominant causes that can cause heart disease as well as strokes. When this is factored in, lack of sleep seems like a much more significant problem.
2. Type 2 diabetes
A serious condition, type 2 diabetes is an issue that causes sugar levels to increase in your blood. This causes harm to your blood vessels. It has been found that sleep can work towards better blood sugar control and therefore be a positive factor in helping mitigate the development of type 2 diabetes. Individuals who are already living with type 2 diabetes, will also find their diabetes is harder to control if their sleep is irregular.
3. Obesity
Another health issue that lack of sleep can impact is weight. Not having the right amount of sleep is suspected to impact the area of the brain which controls hunger. This means that not getting enough sleep can have a significant impact on weight and cause a level of weight gain that is considered unhealthy.
4. Psychological risks
Aside from physical health conditions, lack of sleep is also likely to contribute to the increased risk of a range of mental health concerns. This can include depression, paranoia, anxiety and impulsive behaviour.
4. Other conditions
While these are some of the major and most frequent consequences of a lack of sleep, there are even more that you could face. Some other side effects include a weaker immune system, increased vulnerability to respiratory problems, lower libido, poor balance and trouble with concentration and memory.
How to improve sleep
So, can lack of sleep cause health problems? The answer is a resounding yes. While there are some areas that need more research, it is clear that many health problems can be made much more likely due to a lack of sleep. Now that this is evident, you are probably wondering how to improve your sleep to make sure you don't face these health issues in the future.
The best thing to do if you are facing consistent trouble sleeping is head to a doctor or sleep specialist. Usually, sleep difficulties will sort themselves out within a month so if your problem lasts longer than this, make sure to get it checked out.
Some of the most common problems that cause sleep issues include obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and circadian rhythm disorders. These can all be diagnosed by a professional who can also help you to find the best solution for you.
However, one of the most basic things you can try in order to make sure you have the best chance of getting a good night's sleep is making sure your bed is comfortable. A lot of people might overlook this, but ensuring that the place that you dedicate to resting each night is pleasant can make a big difference. After trying a new bed setup, you may even find that it makes your sleep much more restful and that you weren't suffering from a sleep condition after all.
Here at Endurance Beds, we pride ourselves on the comfort and durability we provide. When you choose your ideal bed from us, we are sending you not only a product that allows you the cosiest and most restful option, but we are also guaranteeing an item which will withstand years of daily use. We are so passionate about this that we offer a lifetime guarantee of up to 12 years.
We have a huge range of options so there is sure to be something that is perfect for you and can help your personal situation. This includes wooden beds, wrought iron beds, cast iron beds, upholstered beds, four poster beds, bespoke metal beds and bespoke fabric beds. To make sure everything is just how you like it, we even offer made-to-measure and customisable beds, because your sleep shouldn't have to be compromised.
Our beds and mattresses are designed with your comfort in mind, so if you want to improve your sleep, make sure to explore our page or get in contact to find out more about what option might be best for you.
