How long can you go without sleep
Not getting enough sleep can lead to severe consequences. It can damage both physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation should be taken seriously, as it can completely disrupt one’s quality of life. Prolonged exposure to high stress levels can adversely impact many major cognitive functions, such as memory, decision-making and concentration. This could eventually lead to serious related health conditions like:
- diabetes;
- obesity;
- heart disease.
It is also known to affect one’s mood and sap their energy levels. This article sheds light on the causes of sleep deprivation, its effects on the human body and ways to combat it.
We must understand why our bodies need sleep. People have different requirements with most adults needing about 8 hours of restorative sleep for optimal health. Additionally, regular adequate sleep can help stave off certain long-term diseases.
How Many Hours Can You Go Without Sleep before it Becomes Unhealthy?
There is a limit to the amount of time you can go without sleep before it becomes hazardous to your health.
Have you ever wondered how many hours of sleep deprivation lead to adverse effects? Skipping sleep for a prolonged period can be detrimental to both your physical and mental well-being.
According to a survey of 2,000 people in the California, those that slept for 5 hours or less over the course of a month were 50% more likely to pass away compared to those who got at least 8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation is associated with a variety of adverse health effects, such as:
- elevated blood pressure
- high cholesterol levels
- diabetes
- heart rate
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Lack of sleep is a major health concern that can lead to both immediate and long-term consequences for your physical and mental well being. It is crucial to ensure you get enough rest every night to avoid these issues. In the short-term, sleep deprivation leads to feeling of exhaustion and decreased focus. Over a longer period, it can result in weight gain, depression and an increased chance of stroke.
Tips to Get Better Quality of Sleep
Most of us have difficulties getting the much-needed quality of restful sleep. Fortunately, there are some natural solutions that may help us get more restful sleep.
- The key to getting a good night’s sleep is having a regular schedule. Establishing a pattern of going to bed and waking at the same time every day, including weekends, will help your body’s internal clock reset itself which can lead to better rest.
- Incorporating physical activity into your routine is a great way to ensure better sleep quality. It doesn’t have to be something intense like running a marathon – simple activities like walking or jogging on the weekends are enough. Try to make exercise a regular part of your life if you can.
- Restricting or avoiding caffeine is advisable as it can have adverse effects on your health, like insomnia. Its effects are temporary and its best not to rely on it too much.
- To promote a state of relaxation prior to bedtime, it is important to be mindful of certain hormones that may cause your heart rate to accelerate and make it difficult to fall asleep. Identifying such hormones and taking proactive steps to regulate them can help you get the restful rest your body needs.
Insomnia treatment
One possible solution is the use of Modafinil, a medication commonly used to treat sleep problems. Modafinil is known to help people stay awake longer and improve their cognitive performance during periods of prolonged wakefulness. While it can help in some cases, it’s important to remember that getting regular quality sleep is still the best way to maintain your overall health and wellbeing.