Horrible Things That Happen If You Don't Get Enough Sleep

If someone were to ask you if you get enough sleep, would your answer be yes? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Chances are, you probably don’t for any number of reasons: financial stress, stuff going on at work, kids having nightmares, your teeny-tiny bladder forces you to get up and go. Whatever the case, what should be a place of peace simply isn’t.

Not getting a quality night’s sleep isn’t a good thing, for obvious reasons. While some people can get by on little sleep, those people are incredibly rare. Getting a more quality night of shuteye is important, so much so that it could make our lives so much better. Otherwise, this is what could happen.

negative effects of not sleeping: catching a cold

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You’re More Likely To Catch A Cold

If you've been exposed to a virus, your immune system is weakened that much more if you have an insufficient night's sleep, making you more susceptible to those sniffles and coughs everyone around you is trying to shake.

You might also like: these are the top 20 places to retire if you hate the cold.

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You’ll Struggle With Your Weight

Sleep deprivation can mess with your hormones and appetite, which is why those who sleep less are more likely to struggle with weight issues. Also, if you can't sleep, you won't easily build muscle since your body uses most of the night to heal any damage done to cells and tissue.

Heading to the gym might actually help you sleep easier, although getting there can be the hard part. Here are 15 tricks that make going to the gym so much easier.

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You’ll React Slower

It's amazing how one crappy night's sleep can mess with your reaction time, caused by a diminished ability to use information to make decisions.

not enough sleep can affect work performance

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Your Work Will Suffer

The more exhausted you are, the harder it is for you to concentrate, so anything that requires your attention will suffer due to lack of sleep. Whether it's a task at work, a conversation with your spouse, or watching your kids during their activities, it won't just be your loss but those around you as well.

See more pics: Canada's 21 best companies to work for in 2018.

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You’re Irritable

Lack of sleep doesn't just mess with you physically, but emotionally as well. Sleep deprivation can cause an inner volatility resulting in the littlest thing setting you off.

Concerned woman looking at her skin in the mirror.

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Hydroquinone

Skin pigmentation and discolouration, like melasma or pregnancy mask, is a real thing for many during pregnancy, and some women may be tempted to turn to skin lightening agents for help. Products that lighten and brighten your complexion usually contain hydroquinone and experts are concerned with its very high absorption rate. In fact, hydroquinone is banned in beauty products in Europe. The risk of cellular toxicity is too great, so avoid it altogether until you are finished breastfeeding.

Other names: benzene-1,4-diol, quinol.

You might also like: 10 Important Skin Care Tips to Follow During Pregnancy.

is not sleeping enough affecting your vision?

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Your Vision Could Become Impaired

OK, this one's a little extreme but the longer you stay awake, you'll have more vision problems, anything from tunnel vision, seeing double, or — depending on how little you're sleeping — hallucinations. Yikes.

For more tips, check out the 20 things you should throw out now for better health.

how not sleeping can cause migraines and headaches

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You’ll Suffer From Migraines And Other Headaches

Whether it's sudden head pain or a dull ache, be conscious of your sleep schedule. Poor sleep quality is likely the cause or, at the very least, a contributing factor.

For more tips on how to stay your healthiest, check out these 10 hacks to drink more water every day.

sex drive decreased because of lack of sleep

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Your Sex Life Won’t Be So Hot

Not enough sleep can lower libidos and increase the chances of issues like erectile dysfunction. Remember that sleep is restorative, which ups testosterone levels, thus boosting sexual drive in both men and women.

Decreased sex drives might not be the only sign that your relationship is failing. Read on to see some more.

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You’ll Be Unhappy

A bad night's sleep can ruin your day, mess with your health, play with your mind, and affect not only how you see things but how others see you. With a little course correction, you can change everything.