Not getting enough sleep? It happens to everyone at times due to late nights, stress and busy schedules, but it can also occur as a consequence of insomnia, sleep apnea and other health conditions. Whatever the cause, when you’re not getting enough sleep, you may notice that you’re having trouble concentrating, you’re tired all the time or you feel like you’re “out of it.” Although these feelings typically pass when you get more rest, if you go long periods without sleep, you could be at risk of chronic illness, premature aging and even weight gain.

Dr. Buck can help you determine if you’re living with a condition known as sleep apnea that could be preventing you from getting enough sleep or getting quality sleep.

Is Not Sleeping Enough a Big Deal?

As mentioned, if you’re going long periods without getting enough sleep, you face some risks that your peers who are getting plenty of sleep don’t. Here are five things that may surprise you about not getting enough sleep.

Your Life Expectancy Is Shortened

Some research has found that getting less than five hours of sleep per night consistently can double the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and heart failure, is the No. 1 cause of death in Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You’ll Gain Weight

That’s right. Not sleeping enough can make you gain weight. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body does not know how to manage blood sugar, so you end up gaining weight. Research has also shown that individuals who sleep less than six hours a night regularly had a 30 percent greater chance of becoming obese than their peers who get six to nine hours of sleep a night. One theory behind this is that the hormone that makes you feel full and regulates fat storage is much lower in people who sleep five hours or less. At the same time, the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, is higher, so you eat more.

You’ll Forget Things

Are you feeling forgetful? It’s not just a figment of your imagination; it’s physical. Getting less sleep makes you more forgetful because not getting enough sleep for three days kills off your brain cells. Also, not sleeping enough can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia because the brain is unable to remove the plaque-forming proteins that contribute to these conditions.

You’ll Look Older

Not sleeping enough makes you look older prematurely because your body produces less human growth hormone, which is what helps you look youthful. When you’re not getting enough sleep, your skin does not get a chance to repair itself, which means less collagen and elastin and more wrinkles.

You’ll Get Sick More Frequently

Missing too much sleep means your immune system is weaker, which translates to more significant illness because it’s hard for you to fight off germs like viruses and bacteria.

Are you getting enough sleep? Find out how Dr. Buck can help treat sleep apnea and help you live your best and healthiest life. Call 425-329-4687 now to schedule a consultation.