Sleep Deprivation is Real

As a teenager, getting enough sleep is a struggle. Whether that be from homework or staying up late too play video games, sleep deprivation is a serious problem among teenagers. I’m going to share a couple of the most important reasons I think getting the right amount of sleep is important.  

Good Sleep can lead to better productivity and concentration. With sleep deprivation, many brain functions are effected such as cognition, performance, and concentration.

A noticeable difference when you don’t get enough sleep is your mood. While you sleep, your brain is processing emotions. If your mind doesn’t get all the time it needs to recognize and react, you will have more negative emotional reactions and fewer positive ones. Even worse, a chronic lack of sleep can lead to more pressing issues. A study was done that showed that with insomnia, you are five times more likely to develop depression and anxiety. 

One thing I have noticed when I don’t get enough sleep is my lack of energy the next day. Taking away your energy from your sleep will cause you to work slower in exercises and not have full time for muscle repair. You won’t be in the best mood due to sleep deprivation and your physical movement will be slow. 

Sleep also can have a huge improvement over controlling your weight. If you are sleep deprived the hormones in your brain such as leptin and ghrelin, which control your appetitie, will get messed up. This causes an inbalence and thus an easier temptation to eat unhealthy foods. With that, your body is tired so that combines a lack of movement and the wrong types of food to fuel your body. Sleep is just as important as the workout you did that day and everything ties in together. 

Sleep deprivation can also lead to an increase in caffeine. Being reliant on a substance in the morning is not natural and will cause you to crave it every morning.

Overall, sleep is super important for our bodies to function. Finding a consistent routine of when to go to bed and when to wake up will show huge improvements in your daily life.