subject: How your health can be affected as a result of a lack of sleep [print this page] How your health can be affected as a result of a lack of sleep
Receiving a sufficient amount of sleep each night will reduce the risk of a number of health complications. The required amount of sleep for adults is seven to eight hours every night. Many individuals find it difficult to receive a good amount of sleep each night as a result of a busy lifestyle, which may increase the risk of sleep disorder or health complications.
Those who live in a busy household may find it difficult to stick to a regular routine that allows them to receive a good amount of sleep. Children often suffer from sleeping disorders, which if not recognised, could result in the child developing behavioural problems and cause a lack of sleep for parents as a result of providing the child with comfort in the night.
According to recent studies, those who receive five or less hours of sleep each night are at more risk of gaining weight as a result of a lack of energy to exercise during the day. Those who gain weight are more at risk of developing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
In addition to weight gain, a lack of sleep can also lead to serious health complications such as heart disease and diabetes. Other problems caused by lack of sleep include stress, anxiety, depression and a change in behaviour, such as developing anger problems. Setting a routine and a change of lifestyle can help individuals to receive a good amount of sleep. Those who are unable to sleep for half an hour or more after going to bed or after waking up during the night may be suffering from a sleeping disorder such as insomnia and may need to seek medical attention in order for the condition to be treated.
