Introduction
Over the past years, lack of sleep has become a health issue affecting a significant number of people across the globe. Many individuals do not obtain enough quality sleep, which then affects their health, and their capacity to undertake their daily routines. SD is caused by aspects such as anxiety and depression which can lead to various effects including, memory issues, trouble with thinking and concentration, high blood pressure, mood changes, and weakened immunity among the victims.
Memory Issues
During sleep, the brain forms a connection that helps a person process and remembers new information. According to Harrington et al. (2018), lack of sleep makes an individual have difficulty remembering things since the brain does not have sufficient time to create new pathways for the information recently learned. Lack of sleep denies the brain the ability to relax and concentrate hence making a person forget easily (Cheung et al., 2019). Thus, a limited nap can negatively impact an individual’s short-term and long-term memory.
Weight Gain and Obesity
Further, lack of sleep can lead to excessive eating which makes a person gain weight. Sleep problem is related to higher amounts of a stress hormone called cortisol, the resulting anxiety, stress, and frustration contribute to emotional eating and poor nutritional habits (Chen et al., 2018). With sleep deprivation, the chemicals that signal to a person’s brain when full are off balance, as a result, an individual overindulges even after eating enough (Chen et al, 2018). Deprivation of sleep can make a person eat a lot resulting in weight gain and health problems including obesity.
Mood Changes
In addition, sleep problems can affect a person’s mood swings. Lack of sleep can lead to anger, depression, and anxiety. According to Schwarz et al. (2019), adolescents are at risk of a sleep deficit, which has serious consequences for their daytime functioning, however, school-based interventions to improve sleep have shown limited success. The youth is vulnerable, and experiences sleep deprivation due to anxiety. Thus, sleeping problems lead to changes in mood from time to time.
The Troubled Thinking and Concentration
Lack of sleep affects a person’s concentration and thinking capacity. An individual’s concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills are affected due to sleep problems. SD leads to lower alertness and concentration, and it is difficult to focus and pay attention thus confusing (Pasula et al., 2018). In addition, the confusion experienced hampers an individual’s capacity to perform tasks that require logical reasoning or complex thought. Thus, lack of sleep leads to trouble with a rational and sound decision.
Conclusion
Generally, sleep is essential to the human body though many people do not take the issue seriously. When individuals fail to have adequate time for sleeping, they are more likely to affect their physical and mental capacity. SD causes both short-term and long-term health effects such as memory issues, risk of heart disease, weight gain, low sex drive, and risk of heart disease. These conditions may make it challenging for the affected persons to undertake their daily duties effectively. People have to create time for rest and avoid overworking, sleep helps individuals to rest and regain new energy and motivation which in return makes them perform excellently in their daily duties. Enough sleep increases the concentration and thinking level of people, making individuals make better decisions when required. Health problems including obesity and weight gain can be avoided by getting enough rest. Every individual has to be attentive and not neglect the issue of getting enough sleep. If people ensure they have the required sleep time, the likelihood of lowering SD impacts will be high and thus making the respective persons have better health.
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