Life is a little blurrier when you don't get enough sleep, making focus and concentration difficult during the day.
"Your brain needs to get enough sleep so it can do the things it needs to do," according to Dr. Charles Bae of the Cleveland Clinic.
That's not all. New research finds depression and anxiety are more likely in young adults who get fewer than 8 hours of sleep per night. The risk increases for every hour of sleep lost.
Another study shows that sleep-deprived teens tend to eat more fatty foods and snacks.
"When you don't get enough sleep, there are changes in hormones that control your appetite," said Dr. Bae.
Researchers say even small changes in eating patterns can lead to weight gain, especially in girls.
Sleep experts recommend teens get at least 9 hours of sleep each night. Grown-ups require less, but too little shut-eye in adult men can signal major problems.
A Penn State study links chronic insomnia with an increased risk of death in men. Men who slept less than 6 hours a night on average were four times more likely to die of any cause during the study's 14-year follow-up period.
The risk soared higher for men who also had diabetes or high blood pressure. It's alarming news that experts hope prompt many to wake up to the health benefits of sleep.
Sleep experts suggest getting into a bedtime routine to give your body a cue it's time for sleeping. They also recommend limiting use of the Internet and video games earlier in the evening.
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