Have you ever had a day where things just seemed to keep getting worse it progressed? In truth, it probably was a day in which you didn’t sleep well or at all the night before. A lack of sleep is commonly known to cause fatigue, forgetfulness and a bad mood. However, that’s just the start of how bad your day can get, all thanks to sleep loss. Check out what The Huffington Post suggests you avoid when you haven’t had proper shut-eye:
- Driving: Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. According to research, both sleepy and drunk drivers are twice as likely to be the cause of an accident, with experimental studies showing that 4 hours of sleep loss equals the same amount of impairment that would come from drinking a 6-pack.
- Making important decisions: Today is not the day to sign a lease, quit your job or break up with your significant other. A 2011 study revealed that after sleep deprivation, there is increased activity in the areas of the brain that evaluate positive outcomes, and decreased activity in areas that calculate negative outcomes. This means in reality, you cannot analyze the pros and cons of your decisions.
- Grocery shopping: Sleep deprived people are more likely to purchase more high-calorie items and purchase more groceries overall. Self control and the decision making process are diminished, leading to weight gain and regret.
- Shopping online: With you impulsiveness in overdrive, poor logical reasoning skills and questionable judgment, it’s safe to say that you may regret your online purchases the next day. Hold off on that designer bag or pair of shoes until you’ve had enough sleep.
- Depending on an energy drink: It can be tempting to want a boost to get through the day, but a caffeine jolt from an energy come with tremendous amounts of sugar, with some brands containing very little caffeine. Drinking one too late in the day may also keep you up too late at night, restarting your sleep deprivation cycle.
- Boasting about your lack of sleep: Ending the cycle of “sleep deprivation one-upmanship,” is extremely important. You may think are powerful and fully functioning on too little hours of sleep, but the reality is you are putting your health and the lives of others at risk. Be a part of positive sleep conversations today.
- Get into an argument: Sleep deprivation causes you to be in a highly emotional state. Your responses are more likely to be inappropriate and irrational in a fight. In fact, a 2007 study found that the brains of sleep-deprived people are 60% more reactive to negative, disturbing images.
It is important to realize how significant of a role that sleep has in your life. It protects your health, strengthens memories, creates more opportunity for positive relationships and keeps you looking your best. Make the most of each day by sleeping well each night!
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