Sleep Deprivation Is the New Smoking: Doctors Warn of Long-Term Damage

In today’s world, sleep is often the first thing to be compromised. The rise of work-life all-nighters, the constant use of cell phones, stress, and non-traditional schedules mean that chronic sleep deprivation has become all too commonplace. But now, experts warn that sleeping too little could be as unhealthy as smoking.

Health experts assert that sleep is more than just a time for rest; it is a time when the body performs important functions like tissue repair, regulating hormones, processing memories, and boosting the immune system. Yet, millions of people worldwide sleep only for six hours or less every evening.

"Sleep deprivation is fast becoming a severe health hazard, and specialists have warned that it is just as damaging to health as smoking is. People generally believe that missing their nightly sleeping hours is normal because of work commitments or because of their cellphones or stress, but the body requires adequate sleeping hours for repair and recuperation," explained Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

How Sleep Loss Affects the Body

If the body is not getting the recommended amount of sleep, the consequences are more than just feeling tired the next day. According to Dr Pillai, the impact of sleep has a direct effect on the vital parts of the body, which include the brain and the heart.

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Chronic sleep deprivation has been shown to raise the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. When an individual doesn’t get enough sleep, it impairs the way in which the body controls glucose in the bloodstream and the release of the body’s stress hormones.

Sleep deprivation also affects the immune system. People who do not get adequate sleep are susceptible to contracting infections, may take longer to recover from illnesses, and may even fall ill more frequently. As a result of this compromised immune system, they may also experience chronic inflammation in their bodies.

Weight Gain, Mental Issues, and Memory Risks

Lack of sleep is also related to obesity. When a person has inadequate sleep, their hunger hormones go up, but their metabolic rates reduce. As a result, they crave foods high in calories.

Additionally, mental health is another significant issue. Lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, and poor concentration. Secondly, Dr Pillai clarified that lack of sleep over an extended period can lead to possible memory impairments and dementia because the brain won’t have adequate time to remove toxins responsible for dementia.

Hidden Dangers in Daily Life

Aside from chronic ailments, sleep disorders also entail a life risk. Difficulty in responding to situations, lack of alertness, increased risk of accidents, or lack of productivity may all come from sleep disorders. The imbalance in hormones derived from sleep disorders may also influence fertility, energy, or productivity.

"Just as with smoking, the damage from lack of sleep is a gradual process, and most people do not even note anything is amiss until they have developed serious health issues," Dr Pillai warned.

How Much Sleep Do Adults Really Need?

According to physicians, an individual needs at least seven to eight quality hours of sleep every day. Observing regular sleep patterns helps a person function according to the body clock. Avoiding mobile phone usage, taking proper exercise, and eating healthy food can help one sleep better.

Conclusively, Dr Pillai stressed that sleeping cannot be considered an optional matter. “Sleep is not a luxury; it is a basic health need,” she underlined.

Bottomline

Chronic sleep deprivation silently damages the body over time, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, mental health issues, and memory problems, making it as dangerous as smoking if ignored.