3 signs of sleep deprivation

As a kid, you never wanted to sleep — except when the alarm went off on school days! As adults, we finally want to sleep more, but too many things seem to get in the way. From family responsibilities to stress from work to financial worries, sleep deprivation usually becomes an accepted part of life as we age.

While we try to fight off fatigue with coffee and other stimulants, the effects of sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your overall health, making you prone to a number of serious medical conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults between 18 and 64 require seven to nine hours of sleep per night — while adults over 65 need seven to eight hours. Unfortunately, 35% of adults report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. As many as 50% of kids are predicted to also experience some form of sleep problem.

Whether you suffer from short sleep syndrome or are simply having an off week due to stress or other factors, there are signs of sleep deprivation that can be used to decide if the amount of sleep you’re getting is enough.

Here are 3 signs you may be suffering from sleep deprivation:

1. Mood Swings: Have you ever felt extra irritable after a poor night’s sleep? Often, people who don’t get enough sleep experience changes in mood, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, depression and, of course, irritability or crankiness. If you experience these feelings, try to practice different breath techniques to help ease your mind such as box breath or relaxing breath.
   
2. Fatigue: When the week seems to drag on and it’s only Tuesday, you may be experiencing a form of fatigue from lack of sleep. Instead of brewing more coffee, take some time to do light stretching to wake up. By moving your body, you are creating extra blood flow and circulation to help your brain perform at optimal levels.

3. Trouble Focusing: Some days you may notice you are having more difficulty focusing than others. Whether you’re experiencing brain fog or you feel your mind is going a mile a minute, consider how much sleep you had the night before. Was it enough? If not, try to develop a consistent sleeping schedule and look into a daily meditation practice to help center your mind.

If you experience frequent daytime sleepiness, that’s another sign you may be suffering from sleep deprivation.

If any of these signs sound familiar, do not fret. Thankfully, there are several ways to get a better night’s sleep, including setting a bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine at night and reaching out to a qualified physician.For more info on sleep deprivation from the doctors at Picken Integrative Medicine or to schedule an appointment, please contact us here or call us directly at 734.652.3210.