Why You Should Sleep 8 Hours
Posted on December 27, 2018
We are always told to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day, but do we really know what can happen without it? We researched information from sleep experts to find out what really happens when you get less rest and why you should sleep eight hours. Harneet Walia, MD is a sleep disorder expert who gives a rundown of the negative effects lack of sleep may have on your health.
- Lack of alertness: research shows that sleeping less than the necessary amount can impact how alert you are during the day. The more sleep you lose, the less alert you will be.
- Impaired memory: Without sleep, your mind is unable to properly remember or process information. Getting ample amounts of sleep can help to improve memory, think quickly, and retain information.
- Relationship stress: The less sleep we get, the more moody we become. Having such mood swings can affect the way you interact with others and weigh on the relationship.
- Quality of life: When you don’t get enough sleep, you just feel drained. This can result in lack of excitement, and the disregard for activities you would otherwise enjoy. You feel as though you don’t have the energy to do the things you need or want to do.
- Greater likelihood for car accidents: Driving on little to no sleep can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths in 2013. If you feel tired, avoid driving. If you are already on the road when you feel drowsy, either pull over or change drivers.