6 Telltale Signs That You Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep

Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired? Then you probably aren’t getting enough sleep. But do you know these 6 less well-known signs of sleep deprivation?

1. Where are my car keys?

Are you constantly looking for your car keys? Do you have trouble remembering where you put your glasses (although they are sitting on your head)? And do you tend to forget meetings and can never remember your new coworker’s name? Studies have shown that forgetfulness and poor concentration can be signs of sleep deprivation.

2. Pass me the coffee! Or rather not? 

Are you like the Gilmore Girls and dream of having an IV coffee drip? 😉 But despite the caffeine, do you feel sluggish during the day? As crazy as it sounds, too much coffee can make you tired. Perhaps you should quit caffeine or cut down in future.

3. You are craving food (and not exactly a healthy salad bowl…)

Chips, pizza, tasty gummy bears – if you are always craving something unhealthy or you are constantly hungry, then you might be short on sleep. Researchers have found that sleep deprivation causes your body to produce more ghrelin, the hunger hormone. And this, in turn, leads to weight gain.

4. The next cold is already on its way

Sleep strengthens the immune system and helps your body to recover. Too little sleep, on the other hand, weakens your body. Your antibodies can no longer respond quickly to viruses and bacteria. If you are constantly sick or you haven’t been feeling quite right for some time, it could be that you are getting too little shut-eye. So, get some rest! Sleep is still the best medicine.

5. You could give Grumpy Cat a run for her money

Every cell of my body is happy. Every single cell of my body is good.”  Do the lyrics of this song so not apply to you? Perhaps the reason you are grumpy is that you aren’t sleeping enough. Harvard Medical School published an article on the topic of sleep and mental health. If you sleep poorly and are often moody, then you should try meditating on a regular basis: just a few minutes a day can improve your mood and reduce your stress level.

6. Your libido is dead

The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research has studied low libido in women. What they have found is that little or no interest in sex can be due to lack of sleep. So, off to bed with you! 🙂

Do some of these signs of sleep deprivation seem familiar? Then you should do something about it right away. And if you have trouble falling asleep at night, check out this article on 7 foods that help you sleep better.

***