How can you tell if you’re getting enough sleep? Listen to your body. Feeling tired or or constantly yawning are two obvious signs of sleep deprivation, but they are far from the only signals your body sends. If your body needs more shuteye, it will let you know in many other ways. Here are five little-known signs you’re not getting enough sleep:
You’re Gaining Weight
Is the number on the scale steadily increasing every morning? If so, this is a sign that you are not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can increase the production of ghrelin, which is often referred to as the “hunger hormone” since its main role is appetite stimulation. Lack of sleep can also lower the amount of leptin in your system. Leptin is another hormone that regulates your appetite, but this hormone is responsible for telling your brain when you’re full.
The changes in the levels of these hormones can lead to an increased appetite after a night of poor sleep. But, the last thing you want to do when you’re tired is whip up a healthy meal, which is why sleep deprived people often reach for junk food when they’re hungry. This means that sleep deprivation can lead to an increase in daily caloric intake and weight gain.
You’re Not Looking Your Best
Sleep deprivation can affect more than just your waistline. Sleep regulates the skin’s pH and moisture levels, which means not getting enough sleep can leave your skin unbalanced and dry. The dryness can also irritate your skin and cause blotchy red marks and blemishes. All of these changes to your skin can make you appear older than you really are.
In addition, studies have shown that sleep deprivation affects the appearance of the eyes. People who are not getting enough sleep are more likely to develop puffiness, dark circles, wrinkles, and fine lines in the eye area.
The hair on your head can also change as a result of sleep deprivation. Hair follicles get the vitamins and minerals they need to grow healthy hair from the blood flowing through your body. But, sleep deprivation can decrease blood flow, which means your hair follicles won’t get as many nutrients as usual. This can impact the rate of hair growth and the strength and overall appearance of your hair.
Take a look in the mirror. If you recognize any of these signs of sleep deprivation, it’s time to hit the hay so you can look your best!
You’re Clumsier Than Usual
Are you constantly bumping into things or stubbing your toe? This may not seem like a serious problem, but clumsiness can indicate that your body is not getting enough sleep.
There are several reasons why sleep deprivation can lead to clumsy behavior. Lack of sleep affects the speed and precision of motor skills such as walking, balancing on two feet, or going from sitting to standing. Sleep deprivation can also affect your ability to focus, so you may bump into non-moving objects or trip over a step simply because you aren’t paying attention to your environment.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to protect yourself from clumsy accidents. You can avoid painful bumps and bruises by getting enough sleep every night.
You’re Having Trouble Making Decisions
Sleep deprivation can impact the way the brain processes information, which can affect decision-making skills. The effect of sleep deprivation on these cognitive skills is especially pronounced when the sleep deprived person is asked to make quick decisions. In one study, researchers asked a group of sleep deprived people and a group of well-rested people to complete a set of tasks that required quick decision-making skills. The well-rested group of people performed significantly better than the group of sleep deprived individuals, which led the researchers to conclude that there was a definite link between sleep and decision-making skills.
Having trouble making quick decisions can impact your performance at work and put you in harm’s way. For example, drivers may find it difficult to react quickly to changes in their environment if they are sleep deprived. This illustrates how dangerous sleep deprivation is and the importance of recognizing the signs of it before it’s too late.
You’re Acting Aggressively
Have you caught yourself flipping off a driver who cut you off in traffic? Are you becoming impatient and loudly tapping your foot while you wait behind someone in line? If so, this could be your body’s way of telling you to get more sleep.
Many studies have shown that there is a clear link between sleep deprivation and aggressive behavior. Researchers believe that this is because of the role that sleep plays in impulse control. Lack of sleep makes it harder to control impulsive behavior, which means sleep deprived people often respond impulsively when they are irritated or insulted. Basically, well-rested people may feel like lashing out at someone who is rude or annoying, but they have the tools to control their impulses. Sleep deprived people do not have these tools, so they may impulsively take aggressive action.
Do you recognize any of these signs of sleep deprivation? If so, it’s time to get on a normal sleep schedule so you can start making up for lost sleep. Adjusting to a new sleep schedule is challenging, but making these changes is easier with Som Sleep. Drink a can of Som Sleep about 30 minutes before going to bed. This sleep supplement contains melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that promotes rest and relaxation. Sipping on this sweet-tasting beverage can prepare your mind and body for bed so you can finally get the rest you need!