In today's world, most people just don’t get enough good-quality sleep. We are a culture that works overtime, day and night, often spreading ourselves too thin. You're probably familiar with the saying, "Work hard, play harder," and our country is one where people stay up through the wee hours of the night studying, working, or having fun.

There's another well-known saying, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," and many people go about life delaying their bedtime. Consequently, many end up without enough restorative sleep each night, which refreshes our minds and bodies. Long-term sleep deprivation leads to rising sleep anxiety and debt, and, in turn, there are several short- and long-term consequences associated.

Sleep experts and medical professionals agree: Not getting enough sleep can do more than make you tired and grumpy.

You can remember how it felt the last time you didn't get enough sleep— you’re cranky, you can’t concentrate, and you just want to lie down and curl back into bed. Maybe it's not that much of a shock that falling short of getting a good night's sleep will likely take a toll on your body and may lead to eventual consequences for your health that you could have avoided.

Today, most people understand that adults should get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep within every 24 hours. For some individuals, getting less than six hours of sleep can seriously hinder their ability to function effectively every day and enjoy a healthy, thriving life.

Scientists and researchers continue to explore the exact relationship between sleep deprivation and various health issues. Is a shortage of sleep the cause of health problems, or do these health issues lead to sleep deprivation? For many people with back pain or arthritis, sleep and pain become a vicious cycle. A common question often arises: Is my sleep loss a result of my pain, or is my aggravated pain a consequence of not sleeping enough?

While the actual reasons for the need for getting a good night's sleep are still under research, there is considerable evidence supporting specific sleep theories. As a result, medical groups like NHLBI and the US Department of Health and Human Services suggest that you prioritize getting enough sleep every day to help prevent long-term health issues.

Continue reading, if you dare, as the sleep specialists at Mattress World Northwest discuss the key issues caused by inadequate sleep.

No.1 Cardiovascular Problems

Not sleeping well likely isn’t good for your heart, because it can increase the risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. In turn, this can unfortunately raise your chances of a heart attack or stroke. In reality, recent research suggests that your nighttime blood pressure reading is highly influential. Still, it is often a missed step in predicting cardiovascular risk. Some medical professionals agree that nighttime blood pressure readings can even be more telling than daytime readings, making sleep blood pressure an important factor in managing conditions like heart failure.

Lack of sleep can increase cortisol in the body, resulting in elevated blood pressure and possible inflammation markers—both connected to heart health and cardiovascular disease. Prioritizing restful sleep is one of the best ways to boost your overall well-being and support a healthy heart.

No.2 Diabetes

An article from the National Library of Medicine reports that more than 67 million people in the Western Pacific are affected by the diabetes epidemic. The NHLBI points out that this epidemic may be connected to poor sleep. While we sleep, we move through different stages like light, deep, and REM sleep. During these cycles, our blood sugar levels naturally go up and down. Still, if we don't get enough restful sleep, this normal blood sugar pattern can be thrown off. This can lead to problems metabolizing, the body’s process to convert nutritients into energy.

One study published in the National Library of Medicine found that even just occasional short sleep in healthy subjects led to heightened insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. The study also revealed that children who sleep less have higher insulin resistance and blood glucose levels. These studies emphasize the importance of prioritizing a good night's sleep and its impact on our overall health.

No. 3 Obesity

One meaningful connection between diabetes and sleep is obesity. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology highlights that getting less than the recommended amount of sleep can make it more likely to gain weight over time. Scientists believe that not getting enough sleep can upset the hormones that control appetite, making people crave sugary and high-calorie foods instead of healthier options. While these foods might give a quick boost of energy to someone who is tired, they can also cause weight gain and sudden increases in blood sugar. By prioritizing sleep, we can take a positive step towards better health, experience fewer unhealthy cravings, and manage a healthy body weight.

No. 4 Mood Disorders

Sleep helps regulate the ‘emotional center’ of the brain. If you begin the day feeling 'off,' not to worry, this happens to just about everyone at one point or another. Waking up on the 'wrong foot,' or waking up on the wrong side of the bed, often means you feel groggy or cranky, usually from not sleeping as well as you hoped. In reality, when we skimp on giving our bodies ample time to get the restorative rest we need, it can really affect mood changes. Similarly, poor sleep quality can interfere with our mental health, intensifying feelings of anxiety and depression.

No. 5 Mortality

Another analysis found in the National Library of Medicine: Sleep Duration and All-Cause Mortality, concludes that too much, as well as too little sleep, is associated with an increased risk of death. Furthermore, people who sleep less than seven hours a night have a 12% higher risk of dying compared to those who get at least seven hours.

Why the Mortality Connection?

While the exact reasons why poor sleep is associated with mortality are more complicated than most of us regular folks are ready to comprehend, researchers suggest that both short and long sleep can lead to other health issues or aggravate existing conditions. Elements that carry a heavy influence on our sleep, such as depression or anxiety, and inferior lifestyle choices—like smoking or consuming alcohol— often result in disproportionate sleep durations leading to devastating consequences for your health.

Don't Wait to Sleep Like a Baby: Shop Mattress World Northwest

Regardless of your physique or unique preferences when it comes to a new mattress, investing in a comfortable and supportive surface to sleep on is a great way to care for yourself, manage your health issues, and feel more comfortable and relaxed. Make sure to try one of the most comfortable handmade mattress styles made in the USA—the Aireloom Abstract Hues M2+, available to try at Mattress World NW.

Sleeping on a cozy mattress chosen confidently from a top-notch sleep shop like Mattress World Northwest can help you create a new and improved restorative sleep routine. Keeping a more regular sleep schedule is one of the best ways to lessen pain and manage other health issues. Similarly, good sleep is good for your health, and the power of sleep can affect your lifespan.

Mattress World Northwest’s sleep experts believe that better sleep for everyone can help make the world a better place.

So, as we navigate life in hopes of maturing gracefully, let’s not forget the role that the mattress and our sleep environment play in our long-term health and well-being.

If you're beginning to get serious about sleeping better, consider shopping at one of the best places to buy from—Mattress World Northwest. Sleep specialists streamline the mattress-buying experience by offering a well-known selection of mattress brands on display for you to try. This selection of sleep products can help you find a balance of comfort and support for your body type and your unique needs to sleep well.

Next, shop local at any Mattress World Northwest location. At these mattress stores with 5-Star reviews, sleep experts agree that using a mattress that fits your body isn’t just about comfort; it’s a pivotal step towards improved sleep quality, health, and a happier life.

So, be sure to check out the best selection of hybrid mattresses, including firm, medium, and soft options from several premium brands, like Purple, Beautyrest, Aireloom, or Avocado. Come down to see all the best mattress choices with the potential to solve your sleep problems at Mattress World Northwest today!