I just completed a lengthy study on sleep and one thing is for sure: we are a sleep-deprived nation. Many of us think that we can get by on less shut-eye and still function well enough to juggle our daily activities. The truth is we cannot.

The more sleep research I uncover, the clearer this epidemic hits home. Whether it is stories I receive from customers or my own experiences, sleep – or a lack thereof – substantially affects our health.

Here are a few reasons why.

Sleep and Weight Gain

If you eat 10% more calories each day (which may amount to seemingly harmless calories – such as a few extra sodas, a glass of beer or wine, a hand full of chips, etc…) you will most likely gain 15 pounds in a year’s time. The same is true if you get 10% less sleep each night. In addition, those who sleep less than 7 hours a night have an average body mass index of 26.8 — about 2 points higher than the average BMI of those who slept more than 7 hours.

Additionally, lack of sufficient sleep impedes hormones that regulate appetite – especially a hormone called leptin – which tells the brain when we are full. Not only do we typically have a greater appetite when we are tired, but we also gravitate toward junk foods and unhealthy energy drinks. To complicate matters, when our sleep cycle is incomplete, our system has difficulty finishing the digestive process – resulting in weight gain and a slower metabolism.

Sleep and Daily Function

You may think you can get by on less than 6 hours of sleep each night. Perhaps you can, for a short time. However, if you sleep less than 6 hours for two weeks straight, studies suggest you will:

• Experience memory difficulties
• Be at greater risk for an accident – due to a slower reaction time
• Have weakened cognitive abilities
• Lower your immunity
• Sacrifice the benefit of optimal cellular repair

Also, if you sleep less than 7 hours (compared to 8 hours), your risk for catching a cold increases by 300%.

Sleep and Longevity

Studies also show that people who consistently sleep between 6.5 and 7.5 hours live the longest. Those who sleep over eight hours and under six and a half tend to have shorter life spans.

How Well Do You Sleep?

Life is often stressful. And for those with hectic schedules, sleep is typically the first thing to go. However, the more stress you experience, the more your body needs sleep and the benefits it offers. There are plenty of tips for better sleep, but I have found that it helps to find a consistent sleep routine, avoid caffeine after 3 pm, and turn down the noise – and the lights – an hour before bedtime. Also, look out for my new Sublingual Sleep formula – with melatonin – coming soon.