Sleep deprivation is a serious condition that can have a number of negative consequences for your health. Some of the most common dangers of sleep deprivation include:
Anxiety: Sleep deprivation can increase your risk of developing anxiety disorders. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can make you feel anxious and stressed.
Depression: Sleep deprivation can also increase your risk of developing depression. When you’re sleep-deprived, your brain doesn’t have a chance to rest and repair itself. This can lead to changes in your mood and behavior that can make you feel depressed.
Hypertension: Sleep deprivation can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t produce as much of the hormone that helps to regulate blood pressure. This can lead to an increase in your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Stroke risk: Sleep deprivation can also increase your risk of having a stroke. When you don’t get enough sleep, your blood vessels become more narrow. This can make it more likely for a blood clot to form, which can lead to a stroke.
Diabetes risk: Sleep deprivation can also increase your risk of developing diabetes. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t produce as much of the hormone insulin. Insulin helps your body to use glucose for energy. If you don’t have enough insulin, your blood sugar levels can rise, which can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
Heart disease risk: Sleep deprivation can also increase your risk of developing heart disease. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can damage your heart and blood vessels, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
