Signs of insufficient sleep.

Are You Getting Enough Sleep? Look Out for These 5 Signs

A good night’s sleep is vital to our health, yet many of us are quick to cut into our slumber time for one reason or another. As David Seitz, MD, the medical director for Ascendant Detox, tells Best Life, most adults should be getting seven to nine hours of “consistent, uninterrupted sleep” each night.

Even if you’re turning in early, you could be waking up in the middle of the night and losing precious hours without realizing it. So how can know whether or not you’re actually getting the full amount of sleep you need?

Here are five subtle signs that you aren’t getting enough shut-eye:

• 1. Irritability and Mood Swings: Not getting enough sleep can make a person more prone to irritation and mood swings. When we are tired, our body produces higher levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that is “linked to stress, anxiety, and depression,” according to the medical expert.
• 2. Increased Susceptibility to Illness: Sleep loss over time can make us more prone to illness. Deep sleep is essential for restoring and maintaining many of our biological systems, including our immune system. When we’re ill, our immune system ramps up its activity while we’re sleeping, by activating cells that seek out and destroy infectious pathogens.
• 3. Changes in Appetite: A lack of sleep can affect our body’s hormones responsible for regulating appetite. As a result, you might notice that your hunger levels have either increased or decreased—and you will likely have a newfound craving for unhealthier foods like sweets and processed carbohydrates.
• 4. Morning Headaches: You may get morning headaches more often if you’re not getting enough rest during the night. When you miss sleep, you also deprive your nervous system of a chance to regulate itself. As a result, you may notice that your pain tolerance decreases, and you experience more frequent headaches.
• 5. Skin Changes: Lack of sleep can cause physical changes to your skin, including dark circles under the eyes, puffy or swollen eyes, paleness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne breakouts, and dryness. Chronic sleep deprivation may accelerate the aging process and lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Remember, a good night’s sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it may be time to reevaluate your sleep habits and make some changes.