Do you know what might happen if you don’t sleep?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), approximately 1 in 3 American adults is not getting enough sleep. So why is sleep so important to stay healthy and fit?

If you want to stay healthy, slim, and fit, sleep is one of the most important things. Sleep is as important as eating and breathing. Let's see what might happen if you don't get enough sleep.

1. Getting sick

If you don’t get enough sleep, it will decrease your ability to fight off illness. It affects your immune system. As a result, your body will not be in a good position to fight diseases and you will get sick easily.

2. Gaining weight

Not getting enough sleep can be a cause to gain weight. If you want to lose weight, you have to sleep well. There is a positive relationship between getting enough sleep and weight loss. Sleep is very important to stay healthy and fit.

3. Loss of libido

Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem that affects many women and men at some point in their lives. Lack of sleep can diminish your sex drive. One study shows that young men who lost sleep over a week period showed a decrease in testosterone levels. Sleeping five or fewer hours reduced sex hormone levels by as much as 10 to 15 percent.

4. Increasing the risk of diabetes

Lack of sleep increases the risk of diabetes. Researchers examined 10 separate studies focused on sleep and diabetes. Their findings uncovered that 7 to 8 hours of rest is the optimal range to avoid insulin issues that could lead to diabetes.

5. Decreasing your performance

Sleep has an impact on learning and memory. In a study published by Experimental Brain Research, a group of 18 men were given a task to complete and the first task was completed following a full night’s sleep. The next task was completed after skipping a night of sleep and found that brain functions including memory, reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving worsened along with reaction time and alertness. Lack of sleep decreases your overall performance.

6. Risk of cancer

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's (AASM) sleep statement, shortened sleep is associated with higher rates of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. So getting enough sleep is very important to avoid the risk of cancer.

7. Affect your appearance

Not getting enough sleep affects your appearance. In one study, a group of people between the ages of 30 and 50 were evaluated based on their sleep habits and the condition of their skin. The results revealed that those with too little sleep had more wrinkles, uneven skin color, and marked looseness of the skin. So, get enough sleep and improve your appearance.

Lack of sleep could change your mood and it might be a cause of anxiety and depression. If you sleep well, it could save your life. So, get enough sleep, stay healthy, and be happy!