Getting enough quality sleep each night is just as essential as a healthy diet and regular exercise. As a nurse practitioner with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the widespread health effects poor sleep can have.
When we get insufficient sleep, our appetite-regulating hormones are disrupted.
Insulin Resistance
Poor sleep increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can also contribute to higher levels of inflammation, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Lack of sleep may lead to a decrease in protective proteins called cytokines. In addition, our infection-fighting antibodies and cells are often reduced during periods when we don’t get enough sleep.