Why getting enough sleep is vital for your health

Jun 01, 2025 Siddhartha Jana

Health risks of sleep deprivation

Lack of sleep raises risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke due to hormonal and stress imbalances. Source: Canva

Blood pressure & stress hormones

After just 4 hours of sleep, blood pressure rises, parasympathetic activity drops, cortisol and oxidative stress increase, harming health. Source: Canva

Hormones affecting appetite

Less sleep lowers leptin (hunger suppressant) and raises ghrelin (hunger stimulator), increasing appetite and risk of obesity. Source: Canva

Allostatic overload explained

Chronic poor sleep causes allostatic overload, disrupting the body’s ability to regulate stress, blood pressure, and temperature. Source: Canva

Sleep duration varies by age

Kids need 16-20 hours; adults require 6-8 hours of quality night sleep to maintain circadian rhythm and bodily repair. Source: Canva

Hormonal imbalance & fatigue

Short-term effects of poor sleep include irritability, fatigue, and hormonal imbalance; long-term effects are mood disorders, stunted growth, and early aging. Source: Canva

Importance of REM sleep

REM sleep (2-4 AM) is vital for memory, emotional health, brain development, injury repair, and immune system strengthening. Source: Canva

Sleep repairs & rejuvenates

Sleep is when the body heals and rejuvenates, making quality sleep essential for physical and mental well-being. Source: Canva

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