In order to stay healthy, it’s vital that we get enough sleep each night.
Even so, more individuals suffer from a lack of rest than even they realize. These are some of the crucial signs you aren’t getting enough sleep and how to address them in your everyday lifestyle.
Dark Circles Under Your Eyes
If you’re routinely waking up to dark circles along your lower eyelids, this is a key indicator that your skin isn’t getting enough rest. These blemishes are difficult to hide and can make you appear much older than you are. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to make them disappear—including getting more shut-eye.
You’re Consuming More Caffeine
Drinking more caffeinated beverages than you have in the past is also a telltale sign you aren’t getting enough sleep. While coffee and tea certainly supply us with a much-needed energy boost for a short time, they also leave us crashing and exhausted by lunchtime. So, should this become a routine of yours, it’s important that you find the time to get extra rest.
Focus and Memory Are Hindered
You may notice more frequent lapses in your concentration and memory when running on a lack of sleep. Our brains need a full eight hours to regenerate the energy we’ll need to function for the following day. Without it, we risk being unable to keep ourselves on task and even forgetting what we’re doing at potentially important times.
Sudden Weight Gain
Believe it or not, failing to get adequate sleep can even cause individuals to gain weight. This is because your body loses its ability to regulate hormones, like ghrelin and leptin, that are responsible for controlling hunger. Without keeping them in check, you’re likely to eat more than normal and crave unhealthier foods.
Weakened Immune System
One of the most harmful effects a lack of sleep can have on the body is a lowered immune system. Without the energy to respond to illness and infection, the likelihood of getting sick skyrockets. This makes you less healthy overall and can lead to a multitude of additional problems down the road.