The importance of getting adequate sleep cannot be overstated as it is a vital component of the body's physiological mechanism.  While most people get enough sleep at night, others have a bit of difficulty keeping up with their sleep cycle which often results to sleep debt.  A lot of people have heard of the term sleep debt but very few actually understands the ramifications of this deficiency.  To know more about the importance of sleep, it is imperative to take a closer look at the possible consequences of debt sleep.

Increased Stress Levels

The body needs sleep in order to cope with the daily dose of stress that it endures during the day.  Without adequate sleep, the body's stress levels will become elevated to a point that it can no longer function well.  Stress can cause people to become irritable and less than effective in completing even the simplest tasks such as driving or any and all work related functions.  Sleep debt induced stressed is also manifested in one's decreased mind and body coordination so it is not uncommon for insomniacs to feel sluggish and out of sorts. 

Extreme Mood Swings

Due to the fact that the brain is not getting enough rest, you might experience extreme shifts in moods and feelings of depression throughout the day.  People who incur massive sleep debt are at risk of developing emotional as well as psychological imbalance, which is often compounded by other factors such as increased food intake to compensate for the lack of rest.

Such change in one's moods also have a profound effect on a person's work as well as family life.  It is highly likely for sleep deprivation to cause tension between and among family members as well as co-workers, which can result to strained relationships. 

Severe Migraines and Other Manifestations of Physical Pain

Sleep debt causes severe imbalance in a person's system, which can often result to migraines and other types of body pains.  If you notice chronic or acute pain in any area of your body, this might be an indication that you are not enough sleep and that your system is trying to send warning signs that should not be taken for granted. 

Increased Appetite and Weight Gain

It is not at all uncommon for those who suffer from sleep deprivation to eat more during the day (and night) as a form of compensation.  As a result, weight gain is likely to occur as well as other adverse effects brought about by such change.  Severe sleep deprivation can very well cause obesity if not properly addressed.

Impairment of Immune System

Since the body is not getting enough REM sleep, it is unable to rectify imbalances or effectively fend off infections and diseases.  As a result, you become more prone to illnesses that range from the common cold to more serious ones such as coronary failure and significant damage to other organs, i.e. liver and pancreas.

Sleep debt needs to be paid, as soon as it is incurred.  Ignoring any of the warning signs can lead to more serious problems that can leave the body permanently damaged.  Exploring natural sleep aids is highly recommended so as to prevent any long term effects of sleep deprivation.