7 harmful effects of sleep deprivation

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Not getting enough sleep is not only taxing to the body and makes us feel tired throughout the day with work or school, it also has startling negative impacts on our health.

A study by Oxford University has found that students and workers alike should start school or work no earlier than 10 am every day. According to a report by Telegraph, it has something to do with the body's circadian rhythm. Dr. Paul Kelley of the university said that workers and students who start later have better grades and better work output.

"This is a huge society issue. It is hugely damaging on the body's systems because you are affecting physical, emotional and performance systems in the body," said Dr. Kelley.  "Staff should start at 10am. You don't get back to (the 9am) starting point till 55. Staff are usually sleep-deprived. We've got a sleep-deprived society."

He added that "sleep deprivation is a torture." However, apart from that, there are more harmful negative health impacts of not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can:

1.) Raise the risk of overall mortality

According to the report by Healthline, a study by Harvard Medical School has found that those sleeping less than five hours every night have an increased risk of death from any causes by 15 percent.

2.) Increase stroke risk

According to the Huffington Post, those who sleep less than six hours a night increased their chances of developing stroke symptoms by up to four times. The outlet added that regardless of the absence of risk factors such as obesity and genetics, running on short sleep can make you prone to this disease.

3.) Lead to weight gain and obesity

Sleep deprivation may lead to gaining more pounds and possibly to obesity. According to WebMD, lack of sleep can lead to low energy and as compensation, the body craves for unhealthy and quick foods to gather energy. As a result of food poor choices, this can lead to weight gain and if done on a regular basis, it could eventually lead to obesity.

4.) Increase diabetes risk

Habitually under sleeping at night due can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. According to Diabetes UK, sleep deprivation can mess with the body's blood sugar levels and blood glucose control which could lead to insulin resistance resulting in type 2 diabetes.

5.) Can cause memory loss issues

According to Medical Daily, not sleeping enough at night can lead to brain deterioration. Not being able to rest the brain can interfere with how the memory part of the brain is functioning.

6.) Can decrease libido or sex drive

According to the NHS, men and women who don't get enough good sleep at night have poor sex lives. Lack of sleep can actually lower libido and decrease interest in having intercourse. In men who suffer from sleep apnea, they are found to have lower testosterone levels which lower their sex drive.

7.) Can trigger premature skin aging

According to Everyday Health, sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on the skin. Lack of sleep disables the body from getting enough rest and this means that damaged cells are not getting repaired which leads to earlier signs of aging such as wrinkles and dull and saggy skin. In addition, it can also make immune-related skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema even worse.