Sleep Advice: In today’s hectic world, getting enough sleep has become increasingly difficult. Late nights working, screen time, and busy schedules… sleep is often the first thing people compromise on. But is your body getting the rest it needs? Double board-certified doctor Kunal Sood shares five signs that indicate your body is suffering from sleep deprivation:
Can’t do without tea or coffee
It’s normal to drink tea or coffee in the morning. But if you need caffeine repeatedly to stay active throughout the day, it’s a clear sign of lack of sleep. Dr. Sood says, “Caffeine temporarily suppresses drowsiness by blocking the body’s adenosine receptors. But it’s not a substitute for real sleep. The problem is that you get stuck in a loop. If you lose sleep, you take caffeine, and if you take caffeine, your next sleep becomes even worse.”
Frequent cravings for sweet or high-calorie foods
Craving sweets after a meal? It’s not just your taste buds. When you don’t get enough sleep, the body releases a hormone called ghrelin. This directly increases hunger and cravings. Furthermore, the self-control part of the brain slows down. Then what? Controlling junk food and high-calorie meals can seem impossible.
Getting irritated and angry over small things
Lack of sleep is bound to worsen your mood. Research shows that lack of sleep weakens the brain’s emotional control. The result? You become irritated over trivial matters, get angry quickly, and experience increased mood swings.
Brain fog and difficulty making decisions
Lack of sleep can lead to poor focus. This directly impacts memory and the ability to make informed decisions. According to one study, sleeping for six hours or less for two weeks at a stretch can lead to brain damage similar to that of two days without sleep. And the scariest part? You might not even realize it yourself.
falling sick frequently
Sleep and immunity have a deep connection. When you sleep, your body’s immune system repairs itself. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll be more susceptible to colds, flu, and viral infections.
What do experts say?
Dr. Kunal Sood believes that no single sign can determine sleep deprivation. But if caffeine dependence, sugar cravings, irritability, brain fog, and frequent illnesses all occur simultaneously? Be careful. Start paying attention to both the timing and quality of your sleep.