13. You’re in a state of constant crankiness
When a baby gets fussy, it might be time for a nap. And apparently, humans never really grow out of that. A study from Harvard Medical School shows a connection between sleep disorders and emotional and mental health issues. The more tired you are, the more irritable you become. You become less equipped to handle stress. And that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other disorders down the road.
12. You’re always hungry
No matter how often you’re feeding that hangry stomach of yours, it’s never satisfied. You might find some charm and humor in that, in sort of a Liz Lemon-always-snacking kind of way. But, a study by NCBI found that lack of sleep leads to a decreased level of leptin (the hormone that inhibits hunger and regulates energy). So if you’re constantly craving a snack, it could be because you’re sleep deprived.
11. You pass out as soon as your head hits the pillow
If putting your head down on a pillow is all it takes for you to dive into a deep sleep, then you need more sleep. According to the Institute of Neurological Sleep Disorders and Stroke, if you fall asleep within five minutes of lying down, you are probably suffering from severe sleep deprivation.
10. You look hungover even when you’re not
This is not a good look. Puffy, bloodshot eyes and a dull complexion are not always the direct result of too much booze the night before. This also occurs when you haven’t gotten much sleep. Why do you think they call it “beauty sleep?”
9. Your immune system sucks
Dear Immune System, You had one job — to keep the diseases away. WTF?
If you keep getting colds and always feel like garbage, lack of sleep might be to blame. Need proof? In one study, healthy people were injected with the cold virus. Those who had gotten less than seven hours of sleep each night the week before were three times more likely to develop cold symptomscompared to those who got eight hours or more. Oh the difference an hour makes.
8. You’re spacing out on the reg
Daydreaming and taking imagination breaks during the workday is not the same as staring into a blurry void of nothing. One stimulates the brain, and one is a sign that you are lacking in cumulative Zs. And to those who think staying up late to complete a project is a good idea — sorry, but you are incorrect. You simply do not become more productive the longer you go without proper rest. So know when it’s time to call it a day, and return to your work when you are fully rested.
7. You ugly cry over every little thing
Harvard Medical School also found that a good night’s sleep promotes emotional resilience, while lack of sleep leads to emotional vulnerability. So outside of PMS, if random things are making you weep, it’s time to evaluate your sleep habits.
