17 Shocking Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep studies are uncovering something shocking: physical effects of sleep deprivation appear to have their tentacles in at least 17 different health conditions.

It's scary.

That's why sleep should never be looked on as a nuisance or waste of time. It's an absolute necessity for human health and longevity. For example, you wouldn't say, "Gee, stopping to put gas in my car is a waste of time. I think I'll skip it." Or, "I never change the oil in my car. It takes too much time."

Your car will break down. Just as you will break down if you do not get enough sleep. Yet, in an attempt to get more done every day, millions of people cut back on sleep. They seem to take sleep for granted, almost like it's an afterthought.

Bad idea.

Sleep doctors have been sounding the alarm. Sleep must become a priority, an urgency in your life, just as much as the urgency you feel when your car is almost out of gas and you're driving on a dark, lonely stretch of road.

So if you need an incentive to get some sleep, take a look at this list of physical effects of sleep deprivation.

See Yourself On this List Anywhere?

This list of the physical effects of sleep deprivation is so important, I've decided to take the time to track down the best natural remedies for many of these sleep and health topics.

I hope that will help you out so you can zero in on your own health condition and work to improve it.

Anyway, here's the list...

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Man yawning due to the physical effects of sleep deprivation.
  1. Sleep deprivation—alarming new studies on heart disease.
    Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States. And to think that sleep deprivation plays some part in it boggles the mind.

  2. Sleep deprivation and anger.
    Research has shown a correlation between hostility and increased sleep disturbance. So don't blow your stack...sleep on it instead!

  3. Sleep deprivation and fatigue.
    Consider this—well over 100,000 car accidents in North America occur every year due to sleep deprivation. Over 6,000 dead people. Sad, tragic, and unnecessary. For more information on why this happens, see my article below called Beware These Dangerous Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation.

  4. Physical effects of sleep deprivation and weight gain.
    Sleep deprivation research shows a link between lack of sleep, weight gain, and obesity. So if you're trying to lose some weight, be sure to check out my articles below on weight loss.

    Depression, stress, and anxiety

  5. Sleep deprivation and anxiety.
    Recent research suggests that sleep deprivation can cause anxiety, fear, and worry.

  6. Physical effects of sleep deprivation on stress.
    Stress is an ongoing part of life in our world today. And it can have a huge negative effect on your body and brain.

  7. Sleep deprivation and depression.
    Not getting enough sleep can actually cause depression in some people. And almost all people with depression have problems sleeping.

    Important note: If your mood, stress, and worries are what causes insomnia and sleep deprivation for you, natural help is available. Click here for valuable information about nutritional support for brain health, depression, stress, and anxiety. (Link opens in new window.)

    After you click that link above, be sure to also look for the tab that says health concerns. You'll then see where to click for even more information on depression, stress, and anxiety...as well as insomnia.

    That website has great information that may help you immensely. One of the top biochemists in the world is involved with the research. Explore it.

    Diabetes and high blood pressure

  8. Sleep deprivation and blood sugar.
    Researchers have discovered a connection between sleep deprivation and diabetes, in particular, type 2 diabetes.

    Fortunately, one company has worked hard to create a formula that helps support the health of people with diabetes. Click here to help balance insulin and glucose levels naturally. (Link opens in a new window.)

  9. Sleep deprivation effects on high blood pressure.
    Studies have shown that people who sleep less than five to six hours a night have a significantly higher risk for high blood pressure.

    Below, you can read more about the effects of sleep deprivation on high blood pressure in another article I wrote. The article also contains a link to some great information on a hypertension diet, including a fantastic free, 64-page guide you will find invaluable

    More Sleep Deprivation Effects

    Physical effects of sleep deprivation also encompass all of the following:

  10. Infections and weaker immune system

  11. Frustration with life. Perhaps this is why alcohol and drug abuse are signs of sleep deprivation.

  12. Irritability

  13. Sleep deprivation and memory (includes reduced cognitive function, decreased mental sharpness, lack of focus and drive).

  14. Blurred vision

  15. Increased pain

  16. May lead to a shortened life expectancy

  17. Inflammation (a factor in numerous diseases, including certain types of cancer)

So there you have a quick overview of the physical effects of sleep deprivation. Who knew these things about sleep and health? Now think sleep is something you can skimp on?

By the way, it's interesting to note that studies are also showing that for adults, consistently sleeping more than nine hours a day may also lead to poor health. The magic target zone for health seems to be to consistently get seven to nine hours sleep daily for most adults.

Keep in mind though, as I pointed out in my article, 4 Essential Facts About Insomnia (see below), everyone is different in how much sleep they need for optimum health.

Here's a natural sleep aid you may want to try

If you would like to see one of the best natural sleep supplements I have ever come across, you should check out Neuro-Natural Sleep. You'll find that this formula is designed to help you improve your sleep patterns.

Other sleep supplements contain only 4 to 5 ingredients. Neuro-Natural Sleep, on the other hand, is packed with 49 ingredients that not only improve how well you sleep, but they improve your overall health also. That's important for getting a great night's sleep.

By the way, this supplement does not even contain melatonin. That's how good it is. Click here.

One final note about sleep and your skin

A good night's sleep is the best skin treatment there is.

However, one of the physical effects of sleep deprivation is how it can damage your skin and the way you look. Without adequate sleep, your skin cells don't replenish their collagen as well that was broken down during the day.

So if you are interested in erasing wrinkles, smoothing out fine lines, and reversing the signs of aging, click here for the skin care line. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the age-defying rejuvenation of your skin.

Here are more articles you will find helpful

Beware These Dangerous Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

Effects of Sleep Deprivation On High Blood Pressure

6 Sleep Deprivation Effects on Obesity and Weight Loss.

Hidden Chemicals that Make People Fat (A Sleep Chat newsletter back issue)

Can Weight Loss Be A Natural Cure for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss: 7 Tips

11 Healthy Weight Loss Tips

5 Good Weight Loss Foods

Free Hypertension Diet Guide for People With—or Without—Chronic Sleep Deprivation

4 Essential Facts About Insomnia

Return from Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation to Sleep Disorders Home Page

Popular Sleep Passport Pages

Looking for a new mattress? Check out this page that details what you should look for when buying.
Here's the scoop on what to look for when buying a memory foam topper.
Luxury mattress at a discount price.
The best light therapy questions answered and recommendations on buying a box.
Read about the best natural sleep aids to fight insomnia
Learn about the side effects of over the counter sleep aids
Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.