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According to scientists, going just one night without sleep can throw our bodies into complete chaos. Disrupted thinking and irritability are just a couple of the many unpleasant consequences of such stress.
Researchers have conducted numerous studies showing that chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing a range of diseases, including obesity, memory loss, diabetes, heart problems, and a weakened immune response, making individuals more vulnerable to infections.
Now, scientists have discovered that just one sleepless night is enough to cause significant harm to the body. This is hardly surprising, as sleep is crucial for every bodily function, including hormone regulation, tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy weight.
In some ways, the side effects of poor sleep resemble a severe hangover, complete with nausea and headaches, as reported by the Daily Mail. The consequences of prolonged insomnia occur like a domino effect: one biological malfunction triggers another, leading to yet another.
High Blood Pressure and Other Risks
Experts indicate that dangerous consequences begin to manifest after 18 hours of wakefulness. This is akin to going to bed at 2 a.m. after waking up at 8 a.m.
After 18 hours without sleep, blood pressure starts to rise, forcing the heart to work harder. The additional strain on this vital organ increases. Those with heart issues risk experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
It is precisely at the 18-hour mark of wakefulness that the immune system begins to produce inflammatory proteins associated with cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, the cells that fight off bacteria and viruses become less active.
Staying awake for 18 hours leads to a decrease in testosterone levels—the male sex hormone. Energy levels also drop. Without proper rest, the body struggles to regulate hormones effectively.
Dr. Andriy Zinichuk, a specialist in pulmonary medicine, critical care, and sleep from Yale University, noted, “I think of every hour of sleep as a deposit into a savings account.”
And when that “savings account” is depleted, it negatively impacts how you interact with the world, he added.
Lack of Sleep Triggers Cravings for Unhealthy Foods
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 hours without sleep affects the brain similarly to consuming four glasses of wine or beer.
This means that a person’s reaction time, speech, and thinking become impaired. Other symptoms include irritability, increased stress, scattered attention, and intense cravings for food.
Registered dietitian Carolyn Williams explained that sleep deprivation also affects the ability to choose healthy foods.
A 2015 study found that even just one hour of lost sleep leads teenagers to consume 210 more calories the following day than usual, primarily opting for fats and carbohydrates. Additionally, teens with irregular sleep patterns tend to snack frequently.
Researchers assert that a fatigued body reacts more strongly to unhealthy foods. People who have gone even one night without sleep are willing to spend more money on junk food than on healthy options.
Lack of sleep can be fatal. Extreme fatigue is a major factor in traffic accidents and workplace errors that can lead to death.
Sleep issues threaten not only physical health but also mental well-being. These consequences can be so severe that individuals may require medical assistance.
For a full recovery, experts recommend going to bed earlier. They also suggest avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, ventilating the bedroom at night, and refraining from using electronic devices right before sleep.
