Watch out, insomniacs! Neuroscience explains how lack of sleep can even kill

How much do we know about sleep? It is well known that this is one of the activities that most humans do in their existence: if you live to be 90, you will surely spend about 32 of them sleeping. Sleep is as vital to us as feeding or drinking water. Thus, deprivation of this activity can also kill us.

And sleep is not unique to humans, as we share this activity with most species, from other mammals to insects or reptiles. Sleep scientists are now getting into epic disagreements over the usefulness of sleep. Some suggest that sleep is essential for memory, while others claim that sleep works as a brain cleanser.

However, what is most certain to affirm in this chaotic world today is that we are sleeping less and less, and when we do, we have a worse quality sleep than our grandparents had before.

Chaos

The daily rush, endless appointments, alcohol, nicotine, medicines, electronics usage, worries and all the current madness are preventing us from having a healthier sleep, which is essential for brain function.

And what can all this lack of quality sleep cause? According to an article on the Fast Company website, sleeping poorly (or not sleeping at all) can cause lack of attention and concentration, failure to make decisions, and make people less trustworthy. According to the article, lack of sleep can even kill.

That's because all our activities and “multitasking” behavior annihilate our ability to filter out irrelevant information, as Michael Chee, a sleep researcher at the National University of Singapore, explained. In one of his experiments, Chee invited volunteers to take part in one simple task: push a button when a light flashed. For people who slept poorly, even this easy activity became flawed.

The Fast Company article, also based on research published in The Telegraph, states that lack of sleep may even be linked to major accidents such as Chernobyl and the recent train derailment in New York.

When it comes to car accidents then, lack of sleep is a major cause. "The danger is when it happens to those who are driving or monitoring information. The brain is 'tuned in' at the wrong time, " says Chee. And not only that: lack of sleep can lead to the onset of heart disease, neurology and low blood pressure. immunity.

What is the ideal amount?

Researchers suggest that we really need those eight hours of sleep a night. According to the data released, Americans sleep about six hours a night on average, although they spend seven and a half hours lying down.

If you suffer from insomnia or any other sleep-related disorder, seek an expert in the area to solve your problem.

Also note your daily routine: whether you are overweight, exercise regularly, eat well or not, drink or smoke. Try to lead a healthier life to sleep well. Often, with some minor changes during the day, your sleep can be much better and more restful.