One of my favorite pastimes is sleep. I could sleep all day if I had the choice but similar to most college students across the country, procrastinating on assignments and then cramming to do them takes priority over sleep. According to the University of Georgia, sleep is essential for strengthening memory, combatting illness and in general, promoting a healthy lifestyle. While most of us are aware of what happens when we do not get enough sleep, here are some subtle consequences you may not have thought of when you push yourself to stay up for that extra hour:
1. You Gain Weight
Studies have shown that people who get less than an average of six hours of sleep a night tend to have a higher BMI (body mass index) than people who sleep for at least 8 hours a night. This is because, during sleep, your body regulates and releases hormones that control appetite, metabolism, and glucose processing. Not getting enough sleep throws off this balance and can cause excess weight gain.
2. You Can Lose Friends
Not sleeping enough can lead to mood swings,
3. You're More Likely To Have A Car Accident
Sleep deprived people and cars just don't mix well.
4. You Fall Asleep During Class
This is especially awful if you're trying to get a recommendation from a professor or you need to pay attention to the lecture. Don't be the person who falls asleep during class!
5. You Develop An Unhealthy Obsession with Starbucks
With less sleep, overpriced coffee from Starbucks may be the only way to get through the day. Keep your wallet happy and avoid consuming too much caffeine by getting enough sleep every night.
6. You Shorten Your Life Span
Research has shown that sleeping five hours or less consistently can increase mortality rates by as much as 15%.
When in doubt, sleep it out.