Missing just a single night of sleep can have immediate negative consequences for a person's health, a medical expert has warned.
Doctor Maribel Tejeda stated that a single sleepless night can lead to a hormonal imbalance and other physical issues, the publication Hola reported. Hola is a Spanish language magazine that frequently publishes lifestyle and health advice.
Sleep is a vital function that allows the body and mind to recharge. Healthy adults typically require between seven and nine hours of sleep per night to function properly.
Tejeda noted that poor sleep can impair the ability of the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy for the body. When the body does not get enough rest, its response to insulin can be affected. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells, and improper regulation can lead to elevated blood sugar and fatigue.
Chronic inflammation
The doctor also warned that insomnia can increase chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a natural process where the immune system responds to injury or infection to aid healing. However, chronic inflammation means the body remains in a constant state of alert, which can damage healthy cells, tissues and organs over time.
In addition to physical inflammation, sleep deprivation can cause a hormonal imbalance. The body relies on sleep to regulate the release of various hormones, including those that control stress responses and physical growth.
Furthermore, sleep problems can lead to an increased feeling of hunger the next day, Tejeda added. Sleep helps regulate the hormones that control appetite, meaning a lack of rest can cause the body to crave more calories than it actually needs.
Temporary changes
The specialist emphasised that these changes following a single sleepless night are temporary. The body can typically recover its normal functions after a subsequent period of adequate rest.
However, Tejeda warned that if a lack of nighttime rest occurs on a constant basis, the consequences will also become chronic. Long term sleep deprivation is linked to a range of severe health issues, including cardiovascular problems and metabolic disorders.
In related health advice, therapist Phuong Vo recently detailed how people can avoid fatigue during the afternoon. Vo suggested that the secret to combating high levels of tiredness is to take short walks after eating a meal. Light physical activity after eating can help digestion and boost energy levels.
