There are also the dreaded nights of interrupted sleep, thanks to a wakeful newborn or a snoring partner.

But if you’re regularly struggling to get enough sleep, there might be more to be concerned about.

This is because your body needs consistent, high-quality rest, probably more than you realize.

woman in bed

Your cognitive processing slows

You might have noticed you’re a little extra clumsy when sleepy.

Most experts believe the main reason this happens is down to cortisol (the stress hormone).

Why is this a concern?

tired woman at work

In addition to a slower metabolism, exhaustion can significantly influence potential weight gain.

Other factors like your age, medical condition, or medications can also impact this.

Ask yourself: Am I getting enough sleep?

sleep deprived man driving

Over time, this can cause premature wrinkles, making you appear older than you are.

This has even been documented in otherwise perfectly healthy people who don’t pose other risk factors.

In men, testosterone is produced during sleep, promoting sex drive and a healthy sperm count.

woman consoles older woman

Aside from making sex a little bit awkward, it can also majorly impact his self-esteem.

While hormone imbalances due to sleeplessness can affect your libido, there are many other factors to consider.

First things first: Get yourself into a good routine.

doctor tests blood pressure

woman sick in bed

checking vitals on scale

concerned woman on bed

woman looking in mirror

diabetic woman giving injection

distressed couple in bed

woman struggling to concentrate

man sleeping peacefully