Lack of sleep doesn’t just have you yawning the next day – it affects your body and brain more deeply than you might think, causing over or under-eating, forgetfulness and lack of concentration – and that’s just in the short term!
See how many of the below you identify with the pin down whether you’re getting enough zzzzz’s at bedtime.
1. You're not hungry for lunch. A lack of sleep can make you constantly want to eat more, or persistently feel like you're not hungry at all! It throws off your internal clock—which is why so many people lose or gain weight during periods of sleeplessness.
2. You've checked your email three times, and had to re-read a simple document. Whether you're writing a quick email, reading a document, or operating machinery, lack of sleep makes it hard to concentrate on any task you’re undertaking, meaning constant re-checking and time wasting.
3. You can't remember where you put the car keys. Your brain needs sleep to refresh and regenerate. Without it, your short-term memory may be impaired.
4. You're drowsy at the wheel. Your eyes may glaze over now and then when you're staring at the computer screen or stuck in an endless meeting, but if you struggle to stay awake behind the wheel—or doing any task that puts your life at risk—you're not just bored. You need more sleep.
5. You feel sick—and you never get sick. Your immune system repairs and strengthens while you sleep. So in addition to eating flu-fighting foods, log at least seven hours a night to stay healthy all season.
6. It takes you less than 5 minutes to get to sleep. When you do hit the hay, if within 5 minutes of lying down you are fast asleep, it is likely you are sleep-deprived.
So if any of the above describes you, invest in some good quality bedding, take some time out and get some early nights so your body and brain can function at their best.
