5 signs that you’re not getting enough sleep
Whoever coined ‘you snooze, you lose’ most likely never had a bad night’s sleep. It’s a well-known fact that not getting enough good quality sleep can have a huge knock-on effect, so switching off at the right time shouldn’t be a luxury, but a necessity.
Whether it’s a one-off late night, you’re too busy to get to bed on time, or you’re struggling to nod off despite your best efforts, the next day is sure to be lousy. And unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as ‘catching up’ when you can. Once your circadian rhythm (body clock) has been disrupted, it can be a headache – literally – to get back on track. Not to mention the long-term health consequences, which range from high blood pressure to depression.
A study by the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University concluded that clocking up less than five hours’ sleep a night can result in a nightmarish 65% higher mortality rate than if you’re managing six or seven.
So, to round up five of the top signs to look out for that could mean you’re not getting the shut-eye you need, we asked the experts at Simba – Europe’s leading sleep innovation brand. They’re the brains behind the award-winning Simba Hybrid® Mattress and are on a mission to revolutionise the way the world sleeps.
1 You’re tired all the time (and fantastic at dropping off)
First up is the obvious. If you’re feeling sluggish daily, it’s a clear hint you’ve been slumber-slacking. Interestingly, however, the same goes if you conk out as soon as your head hits the pillow. Falling asleep is a process which should take around 15 minutes. Any sooner, and you need to spend longer in dreamland.
2 You’re irrationally emotional
Ever tear up unexpectedly or lose your temper over something small? If the answer’s yes, you could be overtired. This is because when we’re sleepy our brains find it harder to deal with stress and conflicts. If left unchecked this can become a cycle of chronic insomnia, as anxiety makes it difficult to fall asleep and lack of sleep causes anxiety.
3 Your appetite’s on the up
More cravings than usual – particularly for carb-heavy and sugary foods – could be your body trying to compensate for the energy you’d normally build up overnight. Lack of sleep disrupts the hormones that control when you want to eat, meaning you’ll be hungry more often and your body won’t know when you’re full. Fall into a cycle of bad sleep, and it’s a slippery slope to weight gain.
4 You’re awake at the wrong time
If you find yourself wide awake on the wind down to bedtime, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common sleep complaints around. A prominent reason lies within our electronics. Watching TV or using a computer before bed inhibits your body’s melatonin levels (the hormone that makes you drowsy), because of the blue light the devices emit.
5 You’re impulse buying
Poor judgement is a common side effect, as the front section of your brain (which controls your decision-making) struggles to weigh up the positive and negative outcomes of the choices you make. One way of detecting this change is your spending habits. Splashing out on unnecessary home improvements? Uncontrollable need to book that holiday? Probably best to sleep on it.
Simba’s scientifically engineered Hybrid® Mattress uses an award-winning combination of 2,500 pocket springs and dreamy memory foam to give you the perfect night’s sleep. Silversurfers can enjoy £100 off the Hybrid® Mattress using the code SILVERSIMBAS100 when shopping at simbasleep.com.
