This happens when you sleep less than six hours a day

Good sleep is essential for a healthy body. As per the general recommendation, one should sleep 6 to 8 hours a night – shorter sleep over a longer period may be dangerous. We explain what happens if you sleep less than 6 hours a day.

Many people do not get enough sleep at night. Although good sleep is important for our body to stay healthy. The fact that we sleep poorly or too little can be favored by several factors: including shift work, stress, hormonal changes or psychological problems. Short-term lack of sleep can manifest itself in headaches, concentration problems and bad mood - but in this case there is no risk of long-term damage. However, if sleep problems persist and you are sleep deprived for an extended period of time, this can have a negative impact on your health.

This happens when you sleep less than 6 hours a day

1. The blood sugar level rises

The quality of our sleep affects different areas of our health – including our blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that people who sleep only five to six hours per night are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Because when there is a lack of sleep, the pancreas produces less insulin and the body can use it poorly. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, which in the long term can lead to diabetes.

2. Increases the risk of cardiovascular disease

But those who sleep too little for too long are not only more likely to develop diabetes - their risk of developing cardiovascular disease is also increased. According to a study by the Spanish Center for Cardiovascular Research, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is about 27 percent higher in people who sleep less than 6 hours a night. Similar results were found in a study by the University of Gothenburg - men who slept five hours or less a night were 50 percent more likely to have a heart attack or stroke after 20 years.

3. Gain weight faster

Furthermore, lack of sleep is a risk factor for obesity. Because our sleep controls the hormones responsible for our feeling of fullness and hunger in the body. When they are sleep deprived, their balance is disturbed, resulting in cravings to reach for chips, chocolate and the like. Being overweight increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart attacks.