10 Signs You’re Sleep Deprived—and What to Do About It

Getting enough sleep helps the brain function better, maintains hormone balance critical to healthy weight, and more

If you struggle to stay awake or often nod, your likely under-sleeping and suffering the consequences on your well being and productivity. Stokkete/Shutterstock

If you are getting less than seven hours of sleep on a regular basis, chances are you are experiencing signs of sleep deprivation. You have a busy life, your job is demanding, your family depends on you, and you don’t have time to get the 8–9 hours you need. So what’s the big deal over a little lost sleep?

It is a big deal. In fact, sleep deprivation could make you look old before your time, have a negative impact on your concentration and attention span, jeopardize your job or promotion, take a big toll on your immune system, make you irritable with your partner and coworkers, and even result in injury or death if you nod off while driving. Perhaps it’s time to rethink your need for sleep.