What will happen to your body if you sleep less than 6 hours a day?

Modern life rhythm forces many to sacrifice sleep, but doctors warn: if you sleep less than 6 hours a day, your body begins to deteriorate. Sleep deprivation affects not only mood but also overall health. What exactly happens to the body with chronic sleep deficiency?

1. Brain function slows down

Sleeping for 5-6 hours means putting your brain in power-saving mode. Concentration drops, memory deteriorates, reactions slow down. Studies have shown that a person with chronic sleep deprivation thinks as poorly as someone who is mildly intoxicated with alcohol.

2. Excess weight and slowed metabolism

Sleep deprivation is a signal for the body to store fat. The level of leptin hormone, which controls appetite, decreases, while the ghrelin hormone (responsible for hunger) increases. As a result, there is a constant desire to eat, especially sweets and pastries.

3. Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes

People who sleep 5-6 hours a day are 20% more likely to suffer from hypertension. Lack of sleep increases cortisol levels (stress hormone), which negatively affects the heart and blood vessels.

4. Rapid skin aging

If sleep deprivation has become habitual, skin begins to lose elasticity, swelling appears, dark circles under the eyes, and wrinkles become more noticeable. The fact is that collagen is actively produced during sleep, without which the skin ages faster.

5. Weakened immunity

If you sleep less than 6 hours, viruses and infections will find it easier to attack the body. Studies show that people with chronic sleep deprivation are three times more likely to get colds and flu.

6. Increased risk of depression

Lack of sleep reduces serotonin levels – the hormone responsible for good mood. This leads to increased anxiety, irritability, and even depressive states.

How to improve sleep?

• Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

• Turn off gadgets an hour before bedtime.

• Create a comfortable atmosphere in the bedroom (darkness, coolness, silence).

• Don't drink coffee and strong tea in the evening.