Why Sleep?
Sleep deprivation decays the mind and body in many ways. Humans are designed to be physically active for a limited number of hours in a day. Our bodies and minds need a rest for about one third of the day. Scientifically, we see improved cell regeneration and metabolic improvements with proper sleep.
There are many other anecdotal explanations for sleep as well. The mind needs to store memories from the day’s activities. The body needs to get rid of toxins from the blood system and it is done in your sleep.
It always feels good to sleep enough. You face the next day rejuvenated; have excellent concentration and the right mood. However, a large population of the world faces chronic sleep deprivation. Some just don’t want to waste time sleeping 7-8hrs or at all. Others stay awake to enjoy the nighttime. All these can affect the individuals negatively. So how exactly does sleep deprivation decay the mind and body?
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Mind and Body
Lack of sleep is fatal. It is also linked to chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes and bipolar disorder. Some of the great people in history who went for days without slumber end up nursing long-term effects on the body and mind. Sleep deprivation effects can include long-term memory impairment, an altered reaction time of the body, heart diseases, weight gain, poor concentration, depression, and psychosis.
These are rather harsh effects of going without sleep. If you sleep, you have everything to gain. If you don’t, it affects how you conduct yourself during the day. Some of the behavioral effects of sleep deprivation include mood swings, reduced concentration during the day, incidences of hallucinating, weak muscular control, and a potentially reduced lifespan.
If you force yourself to stay up, your body will rebel and force you to sleep. You could start experiencing episodes of involuntary sleep called “micro-sleeps”. This is when you sleep suddenly, even when standing!
Go and Sleep!
Making sleep a priority during your day has a positive domino effect on the rest of your habits. A large portion of society today suffers from sleep deprivation. The effects of this are adverse to our health; regardless of whether they are experienced on the following day or after prolonged period of harmful sleeping habits. But, a slow progression of improvement day after day can protect against any of the significantly negative effects of sleep deprivation.