Here's a Horrifying Picture of What Sleep Loss Will Do to Yo

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The Huffington Post | By Laura Schocker | Posted: 01/08/14 EST | Updated: 01/12/14 EST

Here's A Horrifying Picture Of What Sleep Loss Will Do ToYou

If you don't snooze, you lose. Skimping on sleep can wreak havoc from head to toe. In fact, one study published last year showed thatjust one week of sleeping fewer than six hours a night resulted in changes to more than 700 genes. That's alarming news, consideringnearly half of Americans don't bank the recommended seven or more hours of shut-eye a night, according to a recent survey. Read onfor the nightmare-inducing truth about what could be happening to your body when you don't get enough sleep, starting the very firstnight.

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Infographic by Alissa Scheller for The Huffington PostAfter one night you're...hungrier and apt to eat more. Studies have linked short-term sleep deprivation with a propensity to load up on bigger portions, apreference for high-calorie, high-carb foods and a greater likelihood of choosing unhealthy foods while grocery shopping.

more likely to have an accident. Getting six or fewer hours of shut-eye a night triples your risk of drowsy driving-relatedaccidents, according to the National Sleep Foundation's Drowsydriving.org. Plus, just one bad night's sleep can affect a driver's eye-steering coordination, according to research from Manchester Metropolitan University. And sleep deprivation can just make yougenerally more clumsy, whether you're behind the wheel or not, reports Prevention.

not looking your best -- or your most approachable. Beauty sleep is legit. A small study published last year in the journalSLEEP found that sleep deprived study participants were rated as less attractive and sadder, HuffPost reported at the time. Adifferent study from the Medical Institutet Karolinska in Stockholm, Sweden found that exhausted people are also judged to be lessapproachable. And the problem only gets worse over time: Researchers have linked chronic sleep deprivation with skin aging.

more likely to catch a cold. Proper rest is one of the building blocks of a healthy immune system. In fact, one Carnegie MellonUniversity study found that sleeping fewer than seven hours a night was associated with a tripled risk of coming down with a cold.What's more, the Mayo Clinic explains:

During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Certain cytokines needto increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you're under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease productionof these protective cytokines. In addition, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don't getenough sleep.

losing brain tissue. A small, recent study of 15 men, published in the journal SLEEP, found that just one night of sleep deprivationwas linked with signs of brain tissue loss, measured by blood levels of two brain molecules that usually increase after brain damage.

more likely to get emotional. One 2007 study from researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and Harvard MedicalSchool used functioning Magnetic Resonance Imaging to show that after sleep deprivation, the brain's emotional centers were more



more than 60 percent more reactive. "It's almost as though, without sleep, the brain had reverted back to more primitive patterns ofactivity, in that it was unable to put emotional experiences into context and produce controlled, appropriate responses," senior authorMatthew Walker, director of UC Berkeley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory, said in a statement. "Emotionally, you're not on alevel playing field."

less focused and having memory problems. Being exhausted zaps your focus, and can render you more forgetful (no wonderyou keep misplacing your cell phone after a bad night between the sheets). On top of that, sleep is thought to be involved in theprocess of memory consolidation, according to Harvard, which means shortchanging it can make it more difficult to learn and retainnew things.

After a while your...stroke risk quadruples. Research presented at the SLEEP 2012 conference suggested that getting fewer than six hours a night canratchet up stroke risk for middle- and older-aged people. "These people sleeping less than six hours had a four times increased risk ofexperiencing these stroke symptoms compared to their normal weight counterparts that were getting seven to eight hours," studyresearcher Megan Ruiter, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told HuffPost at the time.

obesity risk jumps. Not only can short-term sleep loss lead to increased caloric consumption, but multiple studies have suggested alink between chronic sleep deprivation and increased obesity risk over time. One 2012 research review from Penn State, for instance,found that sleeping fewer than six hours a night was linked with changes in levels of the appetite hormones ghrelin and leptin. Another2012 study published in the American Journal of Human Biology showed that too little sleep was tied to changes in appetite regulation,which could trigger people to eat more. And yet another study from the University of Pennsylvania found that study participants whowere sleep deprived for five nights in a row gained about two pounds, perhaps because of late night snacking.

risk of some cancers may increase. One Cancer study of 1,240 participants who underwent colonoscopies found that those whoslept fewer than six hours a night had a 50 percent spike in risk of colorectal adenomas, which can turn malignant over time. Another2012 study identified a possible link between sleep and aggressive breast cancers. Researchers have also suggested a correlationbetween sleep apnea and increased cancer risk of any kind.

diabetes risk goes up. A 2013 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that too little (and too much!) sleepwas linked with a host of chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes. And the same 2012 study that found that sleep deprivation waslinked to hormonal changes associated with obesity also found that too little sleep was tied to decreased insulin sensitivity, a diabetesrisk factor.

heart disease risk increases. Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (orcholesterol-clogged arteries), heart failure and heart attack, Harvard Health Publications reports. A 2011 study from Warwick MedicalSchool researchers found that inadequate shut-eye was tied to heart attack risk, as well as cardiovascular disorders and stroke. "If yousleep less than six hours per night and have disturbed sleep you stand a 48 percent greater chance of developing or dying from heartdisease and a 15 per cent greater chance of developing or dying of a stroke," lead author Francesco Cappuccio said in a statement onthe findings, which were published in the European Heart Journal. "The trend for late nights and early mornings is actually a tickingtime bomb for our health so you need to act now to reduce your risk of developing these life-threatening conditions."

sperm count decreases. Besides the obvious fact that exhaustion isn't typically conducive to getting busy, skipping your Zzs cantake a hit on fertility. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology of 953 young men in Denmark found that thosewith high levels of sleep disturbances had a 29 percent lower concentration of sperm in their semen.

risk of death goes up. A SLEEP study evaluating 1,741 men and women over the course of 10 to 14 years found that men who sleptfewer than six hours had a significant increase in mortality risk, even after adjusting for diabetes, hypertension and other factors.

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Sharon Pilgrim (Sharon_Pilgrim) 116 Fans

My grandsons are 15 and 14 and they're in bed by 8 on a school night because theyCAN'T seem to wake up in time if they don't get at least 9 hours sleep. On weekendsit's 10 and they get up about 10 (the 14 yr old) and noon ( the older one). So, teensCAN go to bed by 830. They catch their buses at 645 and 715.13 JAN 1:45 PM

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Bruce Thompson Jr. (Bruce_Thompson)128 Fans

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You're a good Grandma. Kids need that rest to grow mentally and physically.14 JAN 4:21 AM

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Nancy G. (ngray46) 1SUPER USER 29 Fans

Maybe some school systems should start learning from these studies. It is proven thatchildren (especially teens) need MORE than 8 hrs sleep recommended for adults. Formiddle school and teens in Florida (and maybe other areas) to get up at 5 AM to catcha 6 AM bus means the need to go to bed by 8:30 PM. Yeah, right. Like a teen is goingto bed at 8:30. Schools are a "business" and must stay on budget. Even if this reportis right and lack of sleep causes obesity, contributes to diabetes, causes loss of braincells, etc.they must keep the cost of busing down no matter the harm to children ages5-1813 JAN 12:09 PM

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Sharon Pilgrim (Sharon_Pilgrim)16 Fans

My grandsons are 15 and 14 and they're in bed by 8 on a school night because theyCAN'T seem to wake up in time if they don't get at least 9 hours sleep. On weekendsit's 10 and they get up about 10 (the 14 yr old) and noon ( the older one). So, teensCAN go to bed by 830. They catch their buses at 645 and 715.13 JAN 1:45 PM

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Michael Smith (mcybersmith)19 Fans

Oops - I meant.......go over ON THE RIGHT to the "Comments Activity", (not on theleft). Goofy me!13 JAN 11:46 AM

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OH - yeah - another topic. In what position do you sleep - what position do you likebest to fall asleep. HUFF had an article on that once, in that it said, "your sleep position"tells a lot about you.

SO:

1. Sleep on your back?2. On your stomach?3. On your side? Which side?4. Where do you put your legs and arms in whatever position?

Do you have to have lights out - absolute quiet?

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and have to eat or read or docomputer and then fall back asleep?13 JAN 11:36 AM

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Do you just lay down in bed and fall asleep instantly? Sometimes I do because I amvery tired, other times it takes 30-60 mins. I notice in myself that I start wide-awakedreaming and I can actually sense I am doing that and THAT tells me I am falling asleepand I go for it. Weird, eh? To get to sleep sometimes I have to READ until I am drowsyfall sleep, or EAT something to drowsy myself, or shut off lights and run radio for awhile until drowsy asleep. And once in a while takes 2 hours to get to sleep - HATETHAT!

So - what's YOUR "go to sleep" story?13 JAN 11:32 AM

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3 PEOPLE IN THE CONVERSATION Read Conversation


Sex, then pass out in bliss.14 JAN 4:22 AM

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Michael Smith (mcybersmith) 119 Fans

1 night sleep loss and there's BRAIN Tissue lost? Heck, that means A LOT OF MYFRIENDS must NEVER sleep!!! (heh heh)13 JAN 11:22 AM

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Paul M. (cowboypsm)9 Fans

How did they get half of her face to sleep less than the other half?13 JAN 10:50 AM

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Photo shop (all night long!!!)13 JAN 11:22 AM

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Robert R. (freddZ) 223 Fans

She looks like she just found out how much her unsubsidized insurance rates went upunder Obamacare,13 JAN 6:54 AM

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Good one Freddie, people not having insurance is hilarious. /endsarcasm14 JAN 4:23 AM

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Bob Henderson (tricia_malone)46 Fans

The first year of my son's life he did not sleep more than 2hrs in a row. I was lucky toget 3-4hrs of sleep total each night and that was always interupted. I remember almostnothing that happened that year. My hubby says "hey do your remember when wemet such and such or went to that one restaraunt" and I will have no clue what he istalking about. It amazes me how little I am able to retain when I am severly sleepdeprived over an extended period.13 JAN 5:51 AM

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Sandra Heiston (Sandra_Heiston) 1SUPER USER 208 Fans An independent woman

Okay. That's fine. Now, how many of the people ' studied " were parents of ver youngchildren? Or, what percentage of those studied lived in gang-dominatedneighvorhoods? Even better, what pr=ercentage of those studied lived next to thatreally, really, bad neighbor who takes an unhealthy delight in tormented those aroundhim? There are any number of reasons why people sometimes don't get the properamount of sleep.13 JAN 5:45 AM

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Mike B. (KheSahn068) 2193 Fans Hmmmm!

I would love to be able to get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep every night.

However, back in the early 1990's I had back surgery and a partial lamendectomy wasperformed on my L3/L4. 20 years later, L4/L5 are collapsing and, of course, theregoes the sciotic nerve that travels down the right leg too.

Of course my combat injuries from the Vietnam War doesn't help either. Right and leftshould surgeries, followed by neck surgery. I now have constant back aches (musclespasms that even vicodin and cyclobenzaprine can't touch).

All in all, if I can get away with six hours of "straight, comfortable, enjoyable sleep" Iwould pay a fortune for. There is no bed that I can find that my body would love tosleep in; most times its a easy chait kicked back.

8 hours of sleep? Be lucky you can!13 JAN 4:02 AM

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You have my sympathy and understanding man. Anyone who does NOT have aherniated disk and sciatic never pain (24/7 people - it NEVER goes away), one can NOTappreciate what people go through who can NOT sleep all night. And those drugs theygive you (narcotics) are NOT the answer. I am struggling with the L5 and using achiropractor at $100 a month so I hopefully don't have to have an operation. I seemto be getting better and I AM sleeping better - hope you get better Mike B.

Here's the deal - these things "creep or is that creap" up on us. When did anyone holda class and tell everything when they were young WHAT they had to do to avoidthese problems later in life. I don't remember ANYTHING, does anyone?

Let me assure everyone, RIGHT NOW, study these issues and bone up (no pun) onthe topic and learn what you can RIGHT NOW so you can AVOID having back chaosand a sciatic leg nerve paid that turns your life upside down.

Good advice? Thanks (I accept PayPal by the way)13 JAN 11:29 AM

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Dolly Hughes (Dolly_Knight_Hughes) 1SUPER USER 136 Fans Blessed Be Goddess

I can understand the getting emotional part, and maybe accident prone part, but theother "risks"? Diabetes? Cancer? Huh?13 JAN 3:43 AM

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Skai S. (Skai_Schwartz) 269 Fans

Sleep is actually a very active physiological state. Diabetes risk definitely increases,because chemicals that regulate both glucose metabolism, and appetite are producedand.or regulated predominantly during sleep. Antibodies are also produced at a MUCHhigher rate during sleep and this may ultimately affect cancer risk. It has been said thatwhen we are awake all we do import information and energy; the rest of ourphysiology (about 90%), including determining how we consolidate the informationand regulate the energy takes place during sleep.13 JAN 4:40 AM

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Victoria C. (Victoria_Cipullo)SUPER USER 157 Fans

Maybe I shouldn't bring this up BUT this Bedbug infestation that, I heard, is getting outof hand may help with the sleeplessness. Maybe, this problem should be put on thedanger list...in my opinon. I do not want to say how, the problem got here but I canguess.13 JAN 3:38 AM

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Larry S. (Itbloo) 334 Fans

Haven't slept well since I was a kid. I think my body has adapted because I look goodand I'm in good shape at fifty-nine. I'd probably have a stroke if I got a good night'ssleep.13 JAN 1:36 AM

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Maria . (Prosperitymentr) 41 Fan

Even though most people realize that the lack of sleep is detrimental to our bodies ithas been easy to gloss over this subject and continue as before.

This article is a great wake-up call....

Getting more sleep would be a great New Year's resolution

Suggestion1) Avoid eating late at night2) Avoid watching tv/using the computer late at night3) Use a relaxation technique to relax. Example 1: lay on your back. Take a couple of deep breaths. Start with the muscles ofyour head: first tense, then relax. Work your way down your body to the muscles inyour feet. Once you have completed your exercise you will feel much more relaxedand are ready to sleep.Example 2: Use subliminal hypnotic messages and soothing music

I remember this poem about sleep. Perhaps someone knows who the author is?

Sometimes when I am tired,of toil and endeavorI wish I could sleepforever and everAnd then this thoughtmy worries allaysI will be doing itone of these days....13 JAN 1:33 AM

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I think it would be better to concentrate on getting a lot of both mental and physicalexercise during the day. I also think, contrary to your suggestion, that a balancedsnack, prior to going to sleep is helpful. Also, sleeping in cool well-ventilated room ishelpful.13 JAN 4:43 AM

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Hannes Blahuta (john_blahuta)SUPER USER 326 Fans tantum credo quod video

horrifying? nightmare? gmab!13 JAN 1:30 AM

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Eclectic Art (vintageartcafe) 322 Fans

Nothing about depression?13 JAN 12:55 AM

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It is beginning to get through to most sleep professionals that most of time sleep




complaints and depression are the same thing, Inability to sleep for any length of timeresults in depression. In 75% of people with both insomnia and depression, theinsomnia occurs first, and depression will not completely resolve unless the insomniadoes. The neurochemical changes seen in hyperarousl disorder are same ones seenwith typical depression. Finally, non-pharmacologic cognitive behavioral therapy forinsomnia is often effective in treating depression.13 JAN 4:50 AM

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Richard (Soundmann) 20 Fans

Industrial Wind Turbines in Ontario. More being constructed as we speak. They arebuilding at a frantic rate, trying to get as many up as possible before people find outwhat is going on:http://humanfaceofwindturbines.ca/11 JAN 11:32 AM

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Jeanie B. (Jeany) 2727 Fans Woman w/ Pitchfork

This matches up with my personal experience with horrific sleep deprivation inmenopause. It wrecked me.11 JAN 8:27 AM

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Andrea M B. (Andrea_Blackwell)SUPER USER 1,485 Fans Why watch the news? The truth's on Comedy Central!

They caught it while I was in the Navy. We noticed the problem in A-school, but priorto that I had a habit of yelling, "Attention on DECK!" when ever the night watch-stander walked in to the barracks.It was kind of a bootcamp thing to yell it first when a CC enters, but if you're slow onthe draw, it was a pushupable offense.It was kewl at 2pm, 2AM, not so muchWe had a saying in our company."BLACKWELL, DROP!"There was a bigger fear than pushups, mind you.The greatest was called IT for "intensive training"Oddly, when they named it, I didn't take the warning sign and ended up getting dot-commed out of the crap IT gig paying the light bills.The good stuff coming next was too expensive for our garages...Then they sold the garages and we're making due until somebody make with MORECOWBELL.Just look at the mess they've made of the net....and our personal equipment with thestuff you get that used to come only from nefarious pron sites.

As the rich get more money, the waged-gapped middle get more work and the poorget more company, what is their answer?Caffeine shooters?rly12 JAN 8:47 AM

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Steven Snippert (Snippert)SUPER USER 407 Fans Terrifying lows, dizzying highs and creamy middles

I may have bad eating and drinking habits (working on it), but I think my dedication toa proper nights sleep has helped my health immensely. I also drink lots of water andgenerally avoid drugs like caffeine and nicotine.

So the moral is, even if you are weak vs eats, you can still mitigate some of thosenegative affects with other healthy habits.11 JAN 8:09 AM

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Izzy Cat (IZZYCT)808 Fans I try to be a happy person



OMG....glad I sleep good every night.11 JAN 5:49 AM

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Elizabeth L. (Seiena_Cyrus) 3SUPER USER 108 Fans

After a while is my existence. My untreated mental disabilities have more thendestroyed my ability to sleep. I sleep sure but you'd never believe it with the way Ilook. Actually After a while is minor compared to a woman that hasn't had a goodnight's sleep in 26 years. Many a person has said I look like a Racoon, and it's effectedmy ability to find work, my quality of life, and everything that makes existing worthanything.

The worst thing is, when I was younger and we had health care I'd try and tell thedoctor and they'd brush it off as sleep habits needing to be changed.11 JAN 4:03 AM

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Elena S. (Choyce2020) 3121 Fans KARMA has NO deadline...

Dear Elizabeth,So very sorry your doctors did not listen to you when you told them you were unableto sleep properly. I've had the same problem, mine lasted for almost 5 yrs before mydoctors finally placed me on sleep meds. Believe me I don't even like taking any medsbut I could no longer have a life unless I took prescription meds. Since then, I've madea few healthier changes in my food intake, I try to walk a bit more & now I am veryfortunate to be able to get 7-8.5 hrs of sleep per night....before that I felt like I wasgoing mental....of course, I had to be quite assertive when dealing w//my doctors thatthey treat my sleep ailment & I am so grateful in my case sleep meds made all thedifference in the world. Also, I read before I fall asleep...do you think that might helpyou?

Doctors need to be more compassionate w/their patients who have sleep problems. Ihope you will find a doctor who is sensitive to your needs very very soon. You deserveto be treated for your individual health issues....can any of your friends recommend agood doctor for you?

Best wishes.11 JAN 6:58 AM

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Eric Tolley (tikotheboy)SUPER USER 89 Fans Entrepreneur from Chicago.

Being a business owner here in Chicago www.pegasusinchicago.com and dealing withthousands of people over the years the one thing I know is that the Vince Lombardiquote is the one I relate to the most. "fatigue makes cowards of us all" When I'm tiredI don't want to make the tough phone calls and run leads ect.10 JAN 11:48 PM

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Gaston B. (Matt_Blanc)SUPER USER 141 Fans

I learned that, when over-tired from lack of sleep, I tended to eat more of the bad stuff- cookies, candy, etc. I think I was looking for energy, and not reading my own bodysignals correctly. Now, I take a nap instead. It's easier to do if you're retired, of course.10 JAN 11:42 PM

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Andrea M B. (Andrea_Blackwell) 1SUPER USER 1,485 Fans Why watch the news? The truth's on Comedy Central!

or disabled.I'm working on a new career with this time off.This is an epidemic because shift work yanks your sleep cycles to insane extremes.The first thing that happens in a cubie farm is 20 pounds.12 JAN 9:09 AM

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Celtic D. (Celtic_Demon) 312 Fans

I was awake for almost 3 days straight once; it was not pretty. I couldn't fall asleep nomatter how hard I tried. I vaguely remember much and sort of drifted in and out ofawareness. It was all blurring together and I was extremely panicked and evenparanoid. I remember laying down and looking up at the ceiling and it moving side toside.Eventually I was able to finally fall asleep after all the stress with the aid of seriousNyquil, and when I woke up I felt like I'd been hit by a bus. Just wasn't pleasant, obviously. I didn't want to have to resort to medication butsometimes you need it.10 JAN 1:08 PM

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Steven Snippert (Snippert) 1SUPER USER 407 Fans Terrifying lows, dizzying highs and creamy middles

Is that you, Kerouac?11 JAN 8:12 AM

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Tom H. (Tom_Hendricks)231 Fans see w ikipedia

We still don't know why we sleep. The latest ideas on sleep are that NREM sleep (deepsleep) is for the body, and REM sleep is for the mind. Rough draft of this is athttp://musea.wordpress.com/2013/12/28/why-do-we-sleep/10 JAN 11:57 AM

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Andrea M B. (Andrea_Blackwell)SUPER USER 1,485 Fans Why watch the news? The truth's on Comedy Central!

Dad did TM every morning and explained that it had the benefits of an 8-hour sleep.My version of it was daydreaming after my work was done and the class was stillcounting their toes or whatever.12 JAN 9:11 AM

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Bonnie Cull-Vautour (Bon_Bon_Vegabon) 1101 Fans

I have a 3 week old at home and I'd kill for 6 hrs of uninterrupted sleep. I guess I'mdoomed!10 JAN 11:29 AM

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Julia S. (Julia_Spiegel) 159 Fans

well... that's what happens when you have a kid. you want a cookie?10 JAN 11:00 PM

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Angie D. (Angie_Daniels) 2SUPER USER 1,383 Fans www.youcaring.com/helpSkeetsFamily

Planetary death rate holds at 100%. So the "risk of death" happens whether you'resleeping or not :)That said... I try to get a full night's rest as often as possible. Take the TV out of yourbedroom... use bedrooms for sleeping, making love or maybe reading only.10 JAN 9:27 AM

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Ashley D. (mummbles)



39 Fans

Lack of sleep is another reason why I'm changing careers. Night owls don't like havingto work at 7am. When I was younger I had a job that started at 4am. I only lasted amonth before I quit.10 JAN 3:02 AM

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Lucubrate Lucubrator (lucubrate)0 Fans

This is a bunch of BULL, you will not convince people who are successful of thisnonsense, only lazy unsuccessful people need to sleep, that's why I am a Lucubrator,whimps.10 JAN 1:52 AM

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Satyajit (satyajitmohanty) 12 Fans

fine,every one should try to sleep more than 6 hours10 JAN 1:51 AM

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Britt B. (Wintersoldier7020) 4SUPER USER 260 Fans The FanGirls Are Pissed

Good god, she looks like a Walker. Where's Carl to put her down? lol9 JAN 10:07 PM

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Jeroen (jeroengoudswaard) 80 Fans

Never knew how unhealthy having a child is.9 JAN 10:01 PM

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Zenaida L. (Zenaida69) 13 Fans

I learned it can be unhealthy to say your eyes hurt b/c you slept too much in front ofnew parents. i don't understand why they wanted to kill me. I'm not the one who keptthem up all night.10 JAN 11:24 AM

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Kathryn M. (Kathy_M)5 Fans

I maybe sleep 2 or 3 hrs a night but also have gone 3 days without sleep triedeverything so lost what else to try....9 JAN 9:54 PM

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Jason W. (Jason_Whittington) 90 Fans

Cannabis.10 JAN 12:06 AM

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Ann D. (hollyhobby) 5781 Fans Democrat in a blue state




Does anyone have the kind of insomnia problem that I have, where you easily fallasleep, but then wake up after a few hours, and find it hard to fall back asleep?

Like last night. I fell asleep and slept for 4 hours, waking up at 2:30, but it took me anhour to fall back asleep, where I then got 3 more hours. It's a total of 7 hours, but notstraight through. It can be pretty frustrating...9 JAN 9:18 PM

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John S. (allmywickedsins) 1SUPER USER 1,480 Fans My life is based on a true story

I have the same. Only I usually find it hard to fall asleep in the first place too, so it'sdoubly irritating to wake up only a few hours later and lay there. Sometimes I get upfor an hour and watch tv or read, as I've read if you can't get back to sleep afterabout 10 minutes you should get up for a bit and do something relaxing so you don'tstart to associate your bed with not sleeping. Can't say that always works though .10 JAN 12:33 AM

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Penny . (pjm66)0 Fans

I work a rotating shift, mostly nights. I don't sleep well, Most nights I'm lucky to get 6hours. Tonight I got off at midnight but have to answer calls and make calls fromhome until 5am. I want more sleep, but until a new job comes along, this is what I dealwith.9 JAN 5:23 PM

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Joanna L. (Joanna_Miller)14 Fans

:( That stinks.10 JAN 9:11 AM

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Deepak S. (Shiggity) 176 Fans Lat ine non loqueris, ita scripto eam noli ponere.

Thank god I've always made sleep a priority9 JAN 1:54 PM

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Angie D. (Angie_Daniels)SUPER USER 1,383 Fans www.youcaring.com/helpSkeetsFamily

Me too.. and my friends and I have learned to embrace going out early so that we canbe home and in bed by a reasonable hour. I guess that's what happens when firmlyentrenched in adulthood lol.10 JAN 9:29 AM

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Cadence Wallace (LadySabertooth) 51,776 Fans You w ill be shown, how I've become Indestruct ible

I will never stay up late again I will never stay up late again I will never stay up lateagain.9 JAN 1:37 PM

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Goggles Pisano (Pringle62)SUPER USER 37 Fans

LOL10 JAN 3:10 AM

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Brad Coslett-Elenes (Bradley_Coslett)SUPER USER 57 Fans 2nd account, 1st 2009.

Nuvigil9 JAN 1:02 PM

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Shirley Tan (Shirley_Maya_Tan) 2120 Fans

Ok, that's it - I am going back to bed and sleep ;)9 JAN 8:22 AM

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Dan M. (Squilibrious) 274 Fans

What also happens to me when I am sleep-deprived is my anxiety levels can shoot up.I become tired from less sleep, I find I might need to increase caffeine intake tocompensate, which does not help. I'm more tired, more irritable, less focused and trivialthings can really get to me- lack of sleep can have a negative domino effect. I'vesuffered from anxiety disorder in the past and in figuring out the best way to combatthis over the years and prevent recurrences, getting a sufficient amount of sleep hasalways been near the top of the list.9 JAN 7:20 AM

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Kelly R. (Kellybelle22) 1SUPER USER 1,331 Fans Medicine. Marriage. Motherhood.

I've never been an easy sleeper. Going to sleep and staying asleep both. I hate it, andit has only gotten worse with small children in the house. Regular cardiovascularexercise, making sure my thyroid hormone isn't running high, and a predictablenighttime routine help. But I work deep nights, which means I don't always have apredictable nighttime routine. I was diagnosed with central sleep apnea after a sleepstudy this past summer, and trying to adjust to a CPAP has been like torture. Nomatter how many times I attempt to keep that mask on my face, it feels like it'ssuffocating me, and the prolonged noise and pressure of that forced-in air are morethan I can bear. It makes it impossible for me to relax and slip into sleep.

Tonight's going to be my first night with a new mouthpiece that pulls my lower jawforwards, but that's not going to do anything for sleep trouble that's originating frommy brain/spinal cord. I have no idea what to do next, but I think it's going to involvetalking to a new neurologist.9 JAN 7:15 AM

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Shirley Tan (Shirley_Maya_Tan) 1120 Fans

I feel your pain and frustration. Going to bed, falling asleep and staying asleep are all not the same things.I sincerely hope you find a solution to your ailment. I have been an insomniac for thelongest time. Those pills do not even work on me anymore. Those that do mess me upthe next morning and I can't even think straight. So, I do empathize and wish you aspeedy solution. More importantly, a good night's sleep.9 JAN 8:24 AM

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Greg Sage (Ultimosage) 645 Fans

I am waiting for this comment:

"It's the liberal media telling you that you need more sleep so you work less and getGovernment hand outs".



9 JAN 5:21 AM

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PB B. (Sepulchre) 21,569 Fans A neutron walks into a bar...

I have had insomnia since I was eight. I have been on every sleep medication on themarket, been to sleep clinics, exercised exhaustively, et. Everything anyone has eversuggested, nothing works. nothing.9 JAN 3:40 AM

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Angele R. (Femail) 14 Fans

Melatonin?9 JAN 4:16 AM

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Jon A. (Carachama) 3SUPER USER 827 Fans I'm not apt to follow blindly the lead of others

I had all of these. It turned out to be my thyroid. I was angry all of the time, braindead, and sick frequently. If you are having sleep problems, check your thyroidhormones before any sleep study and learn what the results mean. If off, make surethey check for anti-thyroid antibodies. They made me do a sleep study, came out off,got me the CPAP but missed the underlying. A use despite the fact that my thyroidhormones were off. Now that I am on levothyroxine, I can sleep again.9 JAN 2:45 AM

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arctichamster129 Fans

@Carachama: I've been on levothyroxin for about 20yrs; my original dx wasHyperthyroidism. Took the radioactive iodine capsule, absorbed a bit too much, andnow I seem to fluctuate between Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism. Haven't had more thana handful of decent nights' sleep since my divorce about 5yr ago. Thanks to my exwithholding $$$ I'm entitled to since Sept, I lost my apt in Oct (also had a stretch of 5days with absolutely no sleep that month) so I'm bouncing between staying withfriends and cheap hotels with free wifi. I'm leery of sleep meds after an episode of "sleep driving" while on Ambien at the endof June that found me becoming truly aware of my surroundings 1/2hr from my apt --in Tijuana -- around *midnight* on a Saturday. Luckily I was only 5min from theborder crossing and finally got home around 0130 Sunday; the cops were at my doorat 0600 with paramedics to make sure I was okay -- my friends had reported me as amissing person. And I think I'm developing an OCD because I have to align thingsjuuuuust so or I can't seem to leave it alone. On top of everything else, I'm disabled,so not only do I have other conditions but numerous other meds to takeSorry this is so long! :o|9 JAN 5:39 AM

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Bonnie M W. (babybelle) 2SUPER USER 1,854 Fans EARTH w ithout art is just EH

A good nights sleep is all about the room temp.64 degrees is perfect for me. Of course I have my down comforter! :)9 JAN 1:51 AM

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Dan M. (Squilibrious)74 Fans

I am right there with you Bonnie- I go a few degrees lower but room temperature isdefinitely a great factor in a good night's sleep.9 JAN 7:22 AM

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Larry W. (justlw) 4SUPER USER 1,267 Fans All are up against the wall of SCIENCE!

HP is clearly in the tank for Big Sleep.9 JAN 1:02 AM

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Dan M. (Squilibrious) 274 Fans

After promoting something as communist as kids eating healthy and not being chubbylittle slobs anymore, the First Lady is now spreading big government's tentacles inpromoting good sleeping habits. Shameful!9 JAN 7:25 AM

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Lefty Lizard'e (Jason_Fleece) 4SUPER USER 126 Fans The Left ist Lizard w ith a heart.

Sleep loss due to undiagnosed apnea nearly drove me mad. A rash of three hour sleepnights finally put me in a series of anxiety attacks. (for those who never had them,these frightening freak outs are horrible) I finally went to a Pulmonary sleep doctor anddedicated to getting more sleep and everyday is sunny again.9 JAN 12:31 AM

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Jen Connelly (Jen_Connelly) 110 Fans

I'm actually on my way to see a sleep doctor for a consult on apnea today. Imentioned to neurologist that I was so fatigued even after getting 8+ hours of sleep(thanks to prescribed sleeping pills--I suffered from severe insomnia for years).9 JAN 12:59 AM

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Rosa D. (bastalready) 22,404 Fans

Went 5 nites w/o it due to a rare autoimunne thing. It is horrible.9 JAN 12:04 AM

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Amy F. (anoise) 1SUPER USER 808 Fans My micro bio is too small to fit here....

I took to drinking Sleepy Time tea - but I'm always up in the middle of the night to gopee8 JAN 11:33 PM

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Paul C. (Itsbiggs) 14 Fans

Do you wake up frequently to pee? and do you have dry mouth? I know some will say"it's from the tee" and it could be, but frequent night time urination can be a signal fordiabetes. One cup of tea should technically not cause you to wake in the middle of thenight, but I do not know your physiology. Just be aware :)

-6 year diabetic.8 JAN 11:37 PM

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Ivs H. (ivsciguy) 1



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867 Fans Engineer

I think there is a genetic predisposition to sleeplessness in my family. My dad says thatas far back as he can remember my grandmother has read instead of slept, usuallyonly sleeping 3-5 hours. Ever since college I have found that I simply can't sleep muchlonger than that. As long as I get my 4-5 hours I am fine, but if I try to sleep muchlonger than that I will simply wake up and not be able to get back to sleep.8 JAN 11:17 PM

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Anthony J White (Anthony_J_White) 1198 Fans

my problem is that I exchange the day for the night very easily.8 JAN 11:33 PM

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Camille G. (Camille_Michelle) 5SUPER USER 228 Fans sweet talk

Pretty devastating stuff.In college when I couldn't get a tight 6 or 7 hours in, I made up for it with afternoonnaps. I take sleeping very seriously.8 JAN 10:25 PM

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Michael M. (McDaniel) 3SUPER USER 22 Fans

I agree. It is very important. Burning the candle at both ends and working yourself todeath is nonsense. Don't tell my boss I said that.8 JAN 11:20 PM

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