The first thing we are always taught, when we learn about sleep, is to get at least eight hours of sleep.
We learned from our doctors, parents, and friends about getting enough sleep. But, yet some of us are still not getting enough rest. It can be extremely difficult as there are so many responsibilities and only so much time in a day.
Dehydration And Sleep
The fact is that we know that lack of sleep affects our health negatively. Maybe, this should motivate us to take the time to plan a set sleep schedule. We should turn our attention to this new study showing sleep deprivation can actually make you dehydrated. Not getting at least eight hours of sleep a night increases the chances of dehydration.
The study involved 25,000 adults from China and the United States. Some of the participants getting eight or more hours of sleep and people who slept six hours a night. Those people that slept only six hours a night showed more concentrated urine. The study proved that they have 16% to 59% higher chance of being dehydrated.
So why is this happening? The scientist believes it has to do with a hormone called vasopressin, which is released in the body during the night, in your sleep cycle. This hormone helps control the body’s fluid levels. It pulls water back into the body from our urine to stop us from loosing too much water while we are sleeping.
Researchers also believe that the side effects of not sleeping enough might be caused by dehydration.
Other Effects Sleep Has On The Body
Respiratory System
Immune system
Central Nervous System
Cardiovascular System
Digestive System
Short-term problems caused by sleep deprivation
- Lack of alertness
- Impaired memory
- Reduced quality of life
- Increased likelihood of causing accidents
Long-term effects of sleep deprivation
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Stroke
- Sex drive
- Depression
- Obesity
So, what if you want to go to sleep on time, but have trouble falling asleep? Check out my article on natural remedies for sleep!
