We’re often told that getting at least seven hours of sleep each night is essential. But for many, factors like stress-induced insomnia or unexpected disturbances make that goal hard to achieve. Recently, the sleep tech company Simba used artificial intelligence to study how lack of sleep affects the body. Experts now caution that not getting enough rest can lead to serious health consequences.
Hormonal Changes
A survey of 2,175 UK adults by Simba examined sleep habits, health, and appearance. AI analysis revealed how sleeping less than seven hours affects the body.
Lisa Artis of The Sleep Charity explained that sleep deprivation raises cortisol, worsening skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, leading to irritation and redness.
Increase in Body Weight
Lack of sleep contributes to weight gain. A survey found 26% of sleep-deprived individuals were overweight, and 32% experienced bloating.
“Sleep regulates hunger hormones,” Ms. Artis explained. Less sleep increases ghrelin (hunger hormone) and lowers leptin (fullness hormone), leading to overeating and cravings for sugary foods.
She added that sleep deprivation affects men and women differently—women store more fat in the hips and thighs, while men gain more abdominal fat due to lower testosterone.
Different Skin Issues
Lack of sleep quickly affects the skin, causing dullness and reduced vibrancy due to decreased blood flow, according to Artis.
Among sleep-deprived individuals, 24% reported increased skin sensitivity, while others experienced eczema (16%), psoriasis (7%), and a dull complexion (10%). Artis emphasized that nighttime rest is essential for skin repair and a healthy glow.
Weak or Fragile Nails
Lack of sleep might be taking a toll on your nails too. Research shows that 15% of people who don’t get enough rest struggle with brittle nails, suggesting a potential link between sleep deprivation and weaker nail health. This could be due to interruptions in the body’s natural repair mechanisms, which are essential for keeping nails strong and resilient.
Disruption in the Body’s Temperature Regulation
Feeling unusually cold, especially in your hands and feet? Poor sleep might be to blame. “Body temperature is also under circadian control… Sleep loss can impair the body’s ability to manage and adjust its internal temperature, causing fluctuations and discomfort in the hands and other extremities,” Ms. Artis explained.
Bowel Difficulty
Another study looked into the potential link between sleep problems and various types of constipation. The findings revealed that people with a history of poor sleep were at a much higher risk of experiencing constipation, highlighting the importance of good sleep for a healthy digestive system.