The Shocking Effects of Sleeping Less Than 7 Hours

The advice to get at least seven hours of sleep per night is well-known, but many people struggle to hit this goal. According to new research from a sleep technology company, not getting enough rest can have a surprising and significant impact on your body.

The study used AI to visualize what happens to people who consistently sleep for less than seven hours, and the results are eye-opening.

It Affects Your Hormones and Weight

Sleep plays a critical role in balancing the hormones that control your appetite. When you don't get enough rest, two key hormones get thrown out of whack:

• Ghrelin levels rise, making you feel hungrier.

• Leptin levels drop, so you don't feel full.

This hormonal imbalance can trigger cravings for high-calorie, sugary foods and lead to weight gain. The study found that over a quarter of people who were sleep-deprived were also overweight.

Interestingly, where you gain weight can be different for men and women. Women tend to store fat in their hips and thighs, while men may notice an increase in abdominal fat due to lower testosterone levels.

It Damages Your Skin and Nails

One of the first places a lack of sleep shows up is on your skin. When you're sleep-deprived, blood flow to the skin is reduced, giving it a sallow, dull appearance. This lack of rest also raises your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which can worsen inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

The study revealed that people with insufficient sleep were more likely to report:

• Heightened skin sensitivity (24%)

• Eczema (16%)

• Brittle nails (15%)

Your body uses the time you're asleep to repair and regenerate, so skipping sleep means skipping out on this vital healing process.

It Can Cause Internal Issues

The effects of sleep deprivation aren't just cosmetic—they can impact your internal health as well.

• Bowel Difficulty: A separate study found a link between a history of poor sleep and a higher risk of developing digestive issues like constipation.

• Temperature Regulation: Sleep loss can impair your body's ability to manage its internal temperature, causing fluctuations that can lead to cold hands and feet.

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

While the general recommendation for adults is 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, your individual needs can vary based on your age, health, and lifestyle. Babies, children, and teenagers, for example, need significantly more sleep to support their growth and development.