Gutierrez 1

Ximena Gutierrez

Dr. Schultz

Psychology

10 May 2022

What happens when we don’t get enough sleep?

What exactly happens when you don’t get enough sleep. The lack of sleep takes a severe

toll on the body when it is not well-rested and goes through bad experiences when lacking sleep.

We will be looking at articles from Cleveland Clinic, Sleep Foundation, and Healthline to find

out how a lack of sleep takes a toll on your body.

In the first article by Cleveland Clinic, it is mentioned that you will lack alertness and be

sleepier during the day and that your memory will become impaired. In the long run, lack of

sleep will lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, and even stroke. Other potential

problems you could experience would be appearance-wise, as it can lead to premature wrinkling

and an increase in cortisol, which “breaks down the protein that helps keep your skin smooth”

(Cleveland Clinic).

In article two, The Sleep Foundation writes that “around 1/3 of the American population

suffers from lack of sleep” (Sleep Foundation), and this number is subject to worsen within the

next few years. It mentions that lack of sleep can result in obesity, hormone imbalances, and

mental health disorders. Lack of sleep has also been proven to be tied back to genetics, as the

reactions you have after a night with not enough sleep can be passed down from your parents.

In article three, Healthline claims that when you lack sleep, your immune system

becomes weaker, you are more prone to cancers, and you are at a more significant risk for

strokes. When you get sick, your body is busy fighting off the sickness, so if your body isn’t
 Gutierrez 2

well-rested, you won’t be able to fight against an illness as quickly. You also become more prone

to strokes, as having less than five hours but more than nine hours both take a toll on your heart’s

health.

In the first article, Cleveland Clinic goes into depth on what happens to the body when it

doesn’t receive proper sleep time. It affects our memory and performance abilities, but we also

may experience neurological issues such as mood swings or hallucinations. It was also proven in

animal studies that when deprived of REM sleep, our lifespan shortens, and the nerves in our

body won't have a chance to repair themselves. Sleep has also been proven to promote growth,

especially in children and young adults. The body produces growth hormones as well as proteins

needed for cell growth as well as to fight off infections.

In the second article, The Sleep Foundation adds to the fact that lack of sleep affects your

immune system. They stated that those who are vaccinated react poorly compared to someone

who is well-rested when responding to the vaccine. Mental illnesses have also been linked to

poor sleep schedules, with the major ones being depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. In to-

day's world, young adults are becoming more and more prone to mental illnesses like these be-

cause they are all staying up late and not getting enough sleep.

Finally, in the third article Healthline also points out that the body’s immune system be-

comes weaker when sleep-deprived. When injected with a vaccine, if the body is not adequately

rested, the disease will have a more significant reaction. Coronary Artery Disease is also some-

thing you are more prone to when you are sleep deprived, this being when the blood flow from

your heart to your arteries is blocked, and the circulation is cut off. This makes you subject to

heart attacks and strokes. There is also a more significant possibility of developing prostate, col-

orectal, and even breast cancer when you have shortened sleep.
 Gutierrez 3

People who don’t receive the proper amount of sleep a night are subject to hazardous

consequences that may threaten their lives. Studies have proven that those who are well-rested

are healthier and happier than those who are sleep-deprived.

 Gutierrez 4

Works Cited

Marcin, Ashley. “10 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Don't Get Enough Sleep.”

Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 May 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-

sleep/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-lose-sleep#heart-health.

Team, Brain and Spine. “Here's What Happens When You Don't Get Enough Sleep (and How

Much You Really Need a Night).” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 25 Mar. 2022,

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/happens-body-dont-get-enough-sleep/#:~:text=Some

%20of%20the%20most%20serious,function%20and%20lower%20sex%20drive.

“Sleep Deprivation: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment.” Sleep Foundation, 18 Mar. 2022,

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation.