All About Sleep (kidshealth.org_

Hours of Sleep
All About Sleep (Source:

Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep is common in today’s busy lifestyle. In order to meet the demands of ever increasing work pressure and daily responsibilities, cutting back on sleep seems to be the only option. Sacrificing an hour or two daily just to get done more may sound reasonable to you now, but in reality you are putting your health at a great risk. Several people believe that they can train their bodies for lesser hours of sleep, but this practice is absolutely wrong.

Sleep is the one of the most needed things for the proper functioning of our body and mind. Many people consider it as a luxury and believe that the pros of limiting the sleep hours overshadow the cost. However, often they overlook long-term consequences of fewer hours of sleep on their overall health. Proper sleep is required to regenerate some specific parts of our body, mainly our brain. After long hours of reduced sleep or wakefulness, many neurons starts to malfunction which visibly affect the behavior of a person.

Researches on Sleep Deprivation & Chronic Disorders

There are several studies that have revealed that sleep deprivation is potentially associated with the higher stress level that can further lead to impaired blood glucose level, increased inflammation, and higher blood pressure.

As per a recent study, it has been said that for well being and optimal health, any individual above the age of 18 years should get a sleep of minimum 7 hours every night. Sleeping for less than 7 hours is linked to higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disorder, mental stress and many more health issues. It is not only about the number of sleep hours you get, your sleeping style also affects your overall health. Know which side you should sleep for a good health.


Health Effects of Lesser Hours of Sleep

1. Obesity


Hours of SleepRisks of Obesity (Source:

Many studies have associated obesity with insufficient sleep. For example, the one who sleeps for less than 7 hours every night on a daily basis are at much higher risk of gaining weight, whereas the person who sleeps for 7 to 8 hours every night had lower body fat. As per the other study on babies or infants who sleep for short hours are more likely of developing obesity later in their childhood as compared to the babies who sleeps for the recommended time period.


2. Hypertension & Cardiovascular Diseases


Hours of Sleep

According to a study, it has been found that less than 7 hours of sleep every night are associated with the higher risk of coronary artery calcification, interpreter of myocardial infarction or heart attack in future which can even lead to death in some conditions. There is evidence that also display a connection between fewer sleep hours and a higher risk of cardiovascular disorder that includes stroke, hypertension, irregular heartbeat and coronary heart disorder.


3. Diabetes


Hours of Sleep

Researchers have revealed that individuals who reported sleeping for less than 7 hours on a daily basis are at much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But there is a good news for diabetic people, it has been found that more than 7 hours of sleep can possibly influence the blood sugar control and minimize the effects of type 2 Diabetes.


4. Immune Function


Hours of SleepBoost Immunity (Source:

An interaction between immune system and sleep has been properly documented. Lesser hours of sleep raises the levels of several inflammatory mediators as well as infection, which in turn concern the patterns and amount of sleep. As researchers are just starting to understand these relations, an early report says that lesser hours of sleep may hamper the ability to fight or resist infection.


5. Common Cold 


Hours of SleepSneezing and Running nose (Source:

Individuals who sleep for less than 7 hours every night are at three times higher risk of developing cold symptoms as compared to the individuals who get their 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis when exposed to cold and flu causing rhinovirus.


6. Brain Function 


Hours of SleepHuman Brain (Source:


Several studies have reported that sleep deprivation may also cause malfunctioning of neurons, ultimately affecting the behavior of the person. Specific levels of sleep are required for regeneration of brain or neuron within the cerebral cortex as other levels of sleep are needed for forming new synaptic connections and new memories.

It is not surprising that such potential adverse health issues can lead to some higher health care expenses and low productivity. More significantly, insufficient sleep or sleep depreciation can eventually affect your life expectancy and well-being in daily life. A study of various data from several pieces of research suggests that less than 7 hours of sleep may raise mortality risk by around 15%.


Major recuperative functions in our body like tissue repair, protein synthesis, and muscle growth occur exclusively while we sleep. The most vital of all these functions may be to offer tissues and cells with the required break to recover. More than 7 hours of sleep surely helps in maintaining the proper functioning of several significant cells and body parts leading you towards better health. If you think we have missed anything, feel free to add your suggestions in the comment box below.

Sleep Tight. Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite.

Related Articles: 

1. Recommendations of National Sleep Foundation

2.  7 Myths About Sleep