A busy life may force you to try to function well despite a severe lack of rest, but negative side effects may carry through your day. We believe in the difference a comfortable bed can make, and while our TempurLove blog offers lifestyle tips to promote quality slumber, the question remains: what do you risk when you miss sleep?

Health Concerns

Extended sleep deprivation can induce or exacerbate a variety of conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, and heart attack.* Your body repairs itself when you rest, which makes a full 7-9 hours vital for overall well-being. If you find sticking to a sleep schedule difficult, try creating a nightly routine that starts after dinner. Another option is to set “wind down” reminders on your phone. However you decide to prompt yourself for bedtime, your body will function better with rest.

Drowsy Driving

Not only can a lack of sleep result in health-related complications, but it can also increase your risk of a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 91,000 incidents in 2017 involved drowsy drivers.** Fatigue can slow reaction time, hinder focus, and in severe cases, result in dozing behind the wheel. Your safety and the safety of others is crucial. We always advocate for rest, but we know life can be hectic — even the most regimented bedtimes fall by the wayside during chaotic periods. If you need to stay up late and wake up early, consider carpooling with someone who was able to achieve a full night’s sleep.

Mood Shifts

Anyone who has been around a toddler knows that one of the best ways to prevent a meltdown is with a nap. Adults can better manage their emotions, but the principle remains. Irritability and stress can follow a sleepless night, but as your deprivation grows, depression becomes more common.*** This impacts quality of life by straining interpersonal relationships, a lack of interest in otherwise enjoyable activities, and a lethargic disposition that slows productivity and decreases quality of work.

Changes in Appearance

The idea of “beauty rest” has data-backed merit. Wrinkles, pale skin, swollen eyes, and dark circles are common signs of sleeplessness.^ While appearance is often the least of one’s concern when fatigued, it’s yet another reason to prioritize rest.

Quality sleep has the power to improve your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re avoiding heath concerns or simply want to look your best, we have plenty of bedtime advice ranging from napping tips to yoga poses that can help you find what you need to wake up feeling refreshed. Ensuring you achieve a full night’s rest can greatly impact your life; keeping sleep a priority sets you up for success.

Sources:

* Cleaveland Clinic

** National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

*** Harvard Medical School

^ National Library of Medicine