Sleep is an essential part of our daily routine, yet many people struggle to get enough of it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of Americans are not getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.

But what exactly happens to our brains when we don't get enough sleep?

Sleep deprivation can have a number of negative effects on the brain. It can impair brain function and make it more difficult to concentrate, make decisions, and solve problems. It can also affect our mood, making us more prone to irritability, anxiety, and depression.

In the short term, sleep deprivation can affect our memory and learning abilities. It can be harder to remember new information and process it effectively. This can make it more challenging to learn new skills or perform tasks that require concentration and attention to detail.

Sleep deprivation can also have long-term effects on the brain. Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It has also been linked to a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

In fact, sleep deprivation can have a number of negative effects on overall health, not just on the brain. Here are a few examples:

1. Increased risk of accidents: Sleep deprivation can impair reaction time, judgment, and decision-making abilities, making it more difficult to stay alert and pay attention, which can lead to an increased risk of accidents, especially while driving.

2. Weakened immune system: Sleep plays a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of infection and illnesses.

3. Cardiovascular disease: Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of developing conditions such as hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

4. Weight gain: Lack of sleep can lead to an imbalance of hormones that regulate appetite, leading to an increase in hunger and cravings for high-calorie foods.

5. Poor mental health: As mentioned before, chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

6. Ageing: Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can accelerate the signs of ageing, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles under the eyes.

7. Reduced sex drive: Lack of sleep can lead to a reduction in the production of certain hormones that are responsible for maintaining libido and sexual function.

8. Reduced athletic performance: Sleep is important for recovery and repair of muscles, lack of sleep can affect athletic performance, and also can lead to an increased risk of injury.

These are just a few examples of the negative effects that sleep deprivation can have on overall health. It's important to get enough sleep to support overall well-being. If you're having trouble sleeping, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional, who can help you identify the cause and develop a plan to improve your sleep.

If you're struggling to get enough sleep, there are a few things you can try to help improve your sleep quality:

• Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down before sleep
• Avoid screens (e.g. phones, laptops, TVs) for at least an hour before bed
• Keep the temperature in your bedroom cool and the room dark
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime
• Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Check out the Quin Co's De Stress: Stress Management Tablets that can help you stay stress free and each tablet can help you with a good quality sleep enhanced naturally through goodness of Ashwagandha & Brahmi!

By making these simple changes, you can help ensure that you get the restful sleep your brain needs to function at its best.