Six health risks of being sleep deprived

Michael Schmitz, PsyD, LP, CBSM

Posted December 17, 2015

Getting enough sleep may be as important to your health as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Here are six ways your health may suffer if you don’t get enough sleep.

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Six health risks of being sleep deprived

A lack of sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it can affect your health.

Weight gain
Your metabolism and appetite regulation changes, making it easier to gain weight.
Diabetes
Your cells become less responsive to insulin, affecting blood sugar levels and potentially increasing your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease
Chronic lack of sleep may increase your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
Immune function
Your ability to fight infection may be weakened, making you more vulnerable to everyday illnesses like the common cold.
Sex drive
Lack of sleep causes low energy, sleepiness and fatigue that can decrease your interest in sex.
Depression
Insomnia and lack of sleep can affect your mood and increases the risk of depression.