As we get older, it seems to grow more and more difficult to catch a good night’s rest. The average amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, but it is generally agreed that you need 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night. One sleep study shows that the average American these days only gets around 6.5 hours every night, so if you feel like you haven’t been getting enough sleep, you’re not alone. Many of us have become accustomed to getting less sleep, so it’s not uncommon for someone to be unaware of their own sleep deprivation. If you are unsure of whether or not you are getting the right amount of rest, here are some signs that should help you determine if you are in need of more sleep.
Aches and pains
Waking up with an achy body is a familiar feeling for a lot of people that live active lifestyles or work out a lot but waking up to these discomforts could also be a sign of sleep deprivation. The time you spend sleeping is the time the body uses to repair damaged muscles and tissues. If you are not getting the correct amount of sleep, then the body won’t be able to release growth hormones and heal itself, leaving you feeling achy in the morning.
You fall asleep easily
As simple as it sounds, this can be a major sign that you aren’t getting enough sleep every night. Do you fall asleep during movies? In class? On car rides? What may seem like a hidden talent to some could also be a sign that you need to get more rest at night. Not having enough energy to stay awake during the day is a red flag when it comes to sleep deprivation.
Lower libido
Haven’t been feeling in the mood recently? Many studies show that a lack of sleep can lower libido. Sleep specialist Dr. David states that “Sleep deprivation lowers testosterone levels, which has negative effects on your libido.”
Sleeping in
Sleeping in later than you normally would is also a sign that you aren’t getting enough sleep. Many working-class citizens form a sleep schedule that is dependent on the workweek. It is common to only get a few hours of sleep a night before work, which is made up for by oversleeping on the weekends.
Difficulty controlling your eating habits
If you’re having a hard time controlling your eating habits, or your workouts feel like they aren’t going anywhere, you may need to consider the amount of sleep you are getting. Not getting enough sleep can disrupt the digestive hormones ghrelin and leptin. The disrupted hormone cycle on top of the exhaustion that comes with being deprived of sleep can make it feel impossible to eat something.
Sleep Center Jacksonville Fl
If you are having difficulty sleeping, or think you may be suffering from sleep deprivation, we have resources available for you. Jacksonville sleep center specializes in helping people get a better night’s sleep, has free insomnia guides online, and provides virtual appointments. If you are interested in seeing a sleep doctor in Jacksonville FL, don’t hesitate to call us or visit our website!
