Why you are sleep deprived and what to do about it

For various reasons, many people can’t find sleep or have to go the extra mile for some shut eye.

A recent report by Sleep Data shows that there is no country in the world where citizens are getting up to eight hours of sleep regularly.

This alarming data raises concern as to why the global community on average is finding it difficult to sleep.

In some cases, while sleep deprivation may be linked to health problems, the common causes of this global problem are man-made.

Three factors that deprive you of your sleep are:

Environment

Environmental factors affecting sleep may vary from a snoring partner, climate, and neighbourhood.

Residents living in certain parts of Lagos, for instance, will testify that their noisy neighbourhood contributes a great deal to their inability to sleep.

Preventive methods like inspecting or researching neighbourhoods before moving in are reasonable ways to avoid sleep deprivation factors linked to the immediate environment.

If you happen to have a chronic snorer as a partner, you can seek medical counsel with him/her.

Adapting to suit environment’s climate is the best way to take precautionary steps in getting enough sleep.

Lifestyle

Asides environmental factors, some personal habits or lifestyle choices affect our sleep.

For instance, consuming large amounts of caffeine will surely have a toll on sleeping patterns. Caffeinated products like coffee and energy drinks contain components that keep the body’s system on alert.

Over time, this pattern will tell in normal sleep routines as it may tend to be more difficult getting sufficient sleep.

Work and study habits are some of the lifestyle choices that may affect sleep.

Anxiety, Stress or Depression

Sleep deprivation is one of the various health risks that anxiety, depression and stress pose on an individual.

These mental challenges overtask the brain and mind that it may forget to shut down and rest.

On the contrary, over-sleeping is usually associated with depression as the individual’s system may be tricked into feeling useless or weak.

Staying mentally fit by interpersonal interaction, mental exercise like problem-solving and exploring nature are simple steps to take in combating anxiety, stress and depression which will, in turn, restore sufficient sleep to the individual.

That being said, did you catch enough sleep last night?