Sleep Deprivation: 8 Reasons You Should Get Enough Sleep

by Jenn

This post brought to you by Sleep Number. The content and opinions expressed below are that of http://jennsblahblahblog.com/.

Are you suffering from sleep deprivation?  According to a survey conducted by Sleep Number® many Americans are getting less than 4 hours of sleep a night and on average American’s are only getting 6.7 hours of sleep.  That’s a lot of people who are deprived of sleep, which has some frightening effects on your not only your body but your mental health.

sleep deprivation 8 reasons to get more sleepSleep Deprivation: 8 Reasons You Should Get Enough Sleep

If you are one of the many Americans who are driving to work without a full 8 hours of sleep here are a few reasons to start learning different ways you can get better sleep.

Your brain uses more energy than any other organ in your body, and it needs sleep to properly function. 

If you’re one of the many American’s who are not getting enough sleep here are a few reasons you might want to consider getting closer to the recommended 8 hour of sleep.

Sleep deprivation can cause high blood pressure

Not getting enough sleep might even be the cause of high blood pressure.  According to Susan Redline, MD via webmd.com, “People should recognize sleep, physical activity, and diet are critical to health, which includes the health of your heart as well as your optimal blood pressure control.”    When you sleep, it allows your heart a chance to slow down and get much-needed rest.

Can’t get rid of that extra weight?

There are two hormones known to help maintain your appetite, which are Leptin, and Ghrelin.  When you don’t get enough sleep your Leptin, and Ghrelin levels increase that can slow down your metabolism and make you feel hungry.  We already know a slower metabolism and more food are a recipe for weight gain and might be the reason you can’t lose weight if you’re on a diet.  When you don’t sleep enough, you’re likely to crave sugary foods that will be stored in fat rather than used as if it would if you sleep properly.  You’re also likely to eat less when you’re rested because you’re body isn’t trying to store anything. 

I think I was going to talk about….. Um, Oh YEA! Memory issues.

Sleep deprivation can cause issues with your memory.   I can only speak for myself, but when I’m suffering from sleep deprivation my mind isn’t nearly as sharp as when I get a full 8 hours of sleep and reaction times are often decreased.  Which means we should think twice before jumping behind the wheel?

Lacking sleep can cause moodiness.

Not getting enough sleep can cause one to be irritable and cranky.  When you’re sleepy, you are more likely to be stressed and moodiness, which can cause problems with our relationships.

Stressful relationships can also be caused when one isn’t getting enough sleep.

If you’re dealing with sleep deprivation it’s easy to be moody, lazy, stressed, and/or grumpy which can be the cause of an argument.  Sleep disorders can be straining on a relationship.  When your partner is grumpy or stressed all the time it’s natural to avoid arguments, but it can also be the start of not communication issues.  Like many relationships, communication is key to maintaining a healthy relationship.  Also, if your partner is always awake late at night one might find themselves sleeping in another room to get good sleep, which can turn a healthy relationship upside down in no time.  If a sleeping disorder goes on without being addressed or talked about it can cause major problems in a relationship.    

Look and feel better with the recommended sleep.

Bottom line you’ll look and feel better.  No bags under your eyes, your skin looks better, and you typically feel better altogether when you get a good nights sleep.

Bottom line, sleeping enough can help you live a longer healthier life.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be around as long as possible.  I have not always taken the best care of myself and sleep has always been an issue for me, but things are improving.  All I need now is a good bed to keep me asleep.

When, I was working at the bank I allowed myself to work MUCH more than I slept.  On average I was lucky to get 2 hours a night, which has been hard for me to break, especially without a comfortable place to rest my head. 

Sleep Number SleepIQ® technology

Did you know that only 16% of people track their sleep while 41% track their diets and 43% track exercise?  I track my diet and exercise and have tried to track my sleep, but I honestly don’t know how.  I guess I’m with many other Americans who wish they knew more about improving the quality of their sleep and need the Sleep Number SleepIQ® technology to help me not only track, but adjust for the best sleep! 

I know, right?  The Sleep Number SleepIQ® technology sounds too good to be true, but it’s not.  Trust me, I visited Sleep Number to check it out.  It has sensors that work directly with advanced DualAir™ technology inside an amazing Sleep Number bed to help measure things like:

  • Heart rate
  • Breathing rate
  • Movement
  • Bed presence

The Sleep Number SleepIQ® helps show you the quality of your sleep and identify things that may be affecting sleep.  Did you know that the intuitive activity tracker can help you monitor things like diet, exercise, caffeine intake, media usage, medication, and television to help you identify trends that could change the way you’re sleeping over time.  From the ideal comfort, support and firmness of your bed, which is also known as your SLEEP NUMBER® setting to adjusting some daily routines like exercise. 

Best of all the SleepIQ® technology is available with all Sleep Number beds.

I don’t know what happened; I used to be strict about getting a full 8 hours of sleep.  Sleep is still important to me; I just can’t seem to get a full nights rest, when I do sleep I wake up every few hours.  On the days I’m lucky enough to get 6 hours I wake up with a major backache that takes almost all day to shake, it’s not fun, and I miss having a nice bed.  However, after our recent visit to Sleep Number, my husband and I both agreed that we were getting a new bed, quality sleep is priceless. 

I want a Sleep Number with SleepIQ® technology to take my sleep to the next level by tracking and learning more about the way I sleep.  I also want to have the ability to raise my bed into a sitting position, especially since my husband and I are planning another little one.  Seems like the sitting position will be perfect for night feedings and memorable mornings when a baby is at their best.   

I WANT a Sleep Number with SleepIQ® technology!

All you have to do is sleep, nothing to wear, nothing to turn on. Sleep Number’s SleepIQ® technology helps you track sleeping information to learn how you can make adjustments for a better nights sleep to your SLEEP NUMBER® setting and/or daily routine.  View details about your night with the touch of a button using your SLEEP NUMBER® remote, tablet, smartphone, or even PC.

What's Your SLEEP NUMBEROn our recent visit to Sleep Number I learned I had a new SLEEP NUMBER®, I used to rest comfortable at a 45 and my husband was a 35.  Things have changed I’m a 35 and he is a 35, lol.  I don’t know how long that will last, which is the beauty of Sleep Number beds with SleepIQ®.   You’ll learn about the things you can do to get that sleep you’ve been wanting.  

Most of you know I have four children and keeping up can be hell, especially since I can’t seem to sleep a whole night.  I spent time and money tracking and bettering my diet and exercise, why wouldn’t I add sleep to my list of things that are important to me.  I would look better, feel better, my body would be healthier, I would forget less, and be able to keep up with my kids better.  Thankfully Sleep Number understands how important a good night’s sleep is and is making it easier than every before to track sleep so we can do things that result in a better night sleep.

Be sure to swing by a Sleep Number store near you.  You can find one using their handy dandy Sleep Number store locator and swing by their website here. to learn more about the AWESOME SleepIQ® technology.

How many hours of sleep are you getting a night? 

Visit Sponsors Site

related articles

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out or learn more if you'd like. Accept Read More

Skip to content

Adblock Detected

Please support us by disabling your AdBlocker extension from your browsers for our website.