How Does Poor Sleep Affect Your Health?

After a long, busy day, we all desire a sound sleep. Sleep is more than just a feeling of rest; it plays an important role in our overall well-being. When we don't get a good sleep, even just for a single night, its effects reflect on our behavior the next morning. There are several factors that can contribute to poor sleep, such as a poor sleeping environment, stress and anxiety, poor sleep habits, and low-quality pillows and mattresses.

Inadequate or disrupted sleep due to these factors can have negative effects on our health in various ways. It weakens our immune and digestive systems, contributes to weight gain, and increases the risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Poor sleep not only impacts our physical health but also reduces our productivity, leaving us feeling fatigued throughout the day.

Let’s briefly understand how poor sleep affects our health.

Effects of Poor Sleep on Health

Impacts Mood and Mental Health

While we sleep, our brain undergoes a restorative process essential for its proper functioning. Lack of proper sleep does not let the brain to rest and recover effectively, which impacts emotional, cognitive, and overall mental health. Poor sleep affects our mood, making us feel irritated, impatient, and inattentive. In addition, inadequate sleep stimulates the production of stress hormones, leading to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Fatigue and Inactivity

Our body rests and repairs itself when we sleep, allowing us to wake up refreshed and energized. Inadequate sleep disrupts the body's natural restorative process, leading to a decrease in energy levels. As a result, the body feels fatigued and tired, making even a simple daily task feel like a challenge. Additionally, poor sleep impairs motor skills, which further contributes to the feeling of sluggishness and inactivity. This constant fatigue and inactivity slowly and gradually become a hindrance to leading a productive and happy life.

Weakens Immune System

During restorative sleep, our body produces immune-boosting proteins such as cytokines. These signal immune cells to fight off viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. Poor sleep affects the production of these proteins, making our body more prone to illness. It also disrupts the production of antibodies, which help safeguard our body against diseases. Moreover, the increased production of stress hormones from inadequate sleep further weakens the immune system.

Digestion Issues

Inadequate sleep interrupts the body’s natural digestive process in many ways. Poor sleep disrupts the gut bacteria, which are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. It also reduces the production and effectiveness of digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, pepsin, and lactase. By affecting the function of the gastrointestinal tract, poor sleep leads to problems like bloating, acid reflux, and constipation.

Weight Gain

Poor sleep also contributes to weight gain by creating an imbalance in the levels of hunger-related hormones such as leptin and ghrelin. The leptin hormone helps indicate fullness, whereas ghrelin stimulates appetite. When we don’t get proper sleep, the level of leptin decreases, and ghrelin increases, creating cravings for late-night snacks. Moreover, inadequate sleep leaves you too drained to exercise. This lack of engagement in physical activity contributes to weight gain.

Conclusion

Proper sleep is essential for our overall well-being. From impacting our mood and mental health to our physical health and immune system, inadequate or disruptive sleep affects our health in various ways. Therefore, to lead a happy and healthy life, it is important to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. However, there are several factors that can disrupt our sleep, such as a poor sleeping environment, stress and anxiety, unhealthy sleep habits, and low-quality pillows or mattresses.

Dr. Ortho offers a premium-quality Memory Foam Pillow to provide maximum comfort throughout the night. Made from high-density memory foam, it contours the shape of your head and neck, providing optimal support. Its breathable fabric reduces the risk of sweating, allowing for restorative sleep and helping you wake up refreshed!

FAQs

How poor sleep affects our health?

From mental health to physical health, poor sleep affects our overall health. It weakens our immune system and digestive system, contributes to weight gain, and can lead to several problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

What are the common reasons of poor sleep?

Poor sleeping environment, stress and anxiety, unhealthy sleep habits, and bad quality pillows or mattresses are some of the common reasons of poor sleep.

What is Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow made up of?

Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow is made from high-density memory foam. Its outer cover is made from breathable mesh fabric.

Can we wash Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow?

It comes with a removable cover that can be washed.

What are the benefits of Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow?

Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow provides medium firm support to the head, neck, and shoulders, preventing pain and discomfort.

What are the measurements of Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow?

The measurements of Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow are 21” (L) x 13” (B) x 3.7” (H).

Is Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow suitable for all sleeping types?

Yes, its standard size and contoured design makes it suitable for all sleeping positions.

Does Dr. Ortho Memory Foam Pillow cause sweating?

No, its outer cover is made from breathable mesh fabric, which reduces the chances of sweating.