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Dec 18, 2024

Horrifying Images Show the Shocking Toll Just 6 Hours of Sleep Every Night Takes On Your Body

Bensons for Beds created this rendering of Hannah, a warning to people who do not get enough sleep (Pic: New York Post)

A British bedding company, along with a self-described sleep evangelist, has released shocking images of what the human body could look like in 25 years if regularly does not get enough sleep—and it is not good.
Dr. Sophie Bostock created dramatic digital renderings of a woman’s body with just six hours of sleep a night—and what it would look like in 2050.
According to experts, an adult must get at least 7-9 hours of uninterrupted and regulated sleep, however, almost 60 per cent of people do not get it. According to statistics, the average amount of sleep reported per night is six hours and 40 minutes.

Sleep illustrations as shown by Hannah show a hunched posture and aged skin

Doctors say even missing as little as 1.5 hours can have an impact on how you feel, causing short-term problems like lack of alertness, memory issues, moodiness, and inability or willingness to participate in daily activities. The illustrations showing Hannah’s features—hunched posture, thinning hair, aged skin—were created using academic studies on the impact of getting too little sleep, and the effects offer a stark warning.
“Hannah is a thought-provoking illustration of the holistic impact that sleep has on maintaining overall health. Studies show that prolonged sleep deficiency can put you at a higher risk for conditions that may impact the heart—including obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Bostock from Bensons for Beds told the New York Post.

Health effects of sleep deprivation

Apart from feeling groggy and sleeping past your alarm, sleep deprivation affects all parts of your body and brain.

Fatigue and no energy

If by afternoon you feel exhausted and all drained out, it is a clear sign of lack of slee and nothing else other than snoozing can help. Sleep deprivation causes fatigue, low energy, and excessive sleepiness, which can affect your ability to do things you love and simply complete day-to-day tasks.

Poor balance and coordination

If you have been stumbling through the day with less than seven hours of sleep, you may be having poor balance and coordination as well. A recent study found that sleep deprivation had a significant negative effect on the way you walk, while a lack of sleep can affect your sense of balance as well.

Mood changes and mental health issues

It is no big revelation that a night of bad sleep can make you feel irritated, emotional, and short-tempered the next day. And chronic sleeplessness can quickly morph into mental health concerns. It causes mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Appearance change

If you do not get proper sleep, it shows on your face. Sleep deprivation causes:
  • Dark undereye circles
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Pale skin
  • Red eyes
  • Swollen and puffy eyes
There is also a link between lack of sleep and an increase in the amount of cortisol in your body. Cortisol can break down and cause wrinkles.
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