HEALTH

No matter how much energy you think it gives you, a venti coffee from Starbucks isn't enough to override your body’s need for sleep. Because in order for you to function at your best, you need to catch a sufficient amount of Z’s each night. If you don't believe us, peep how a lack of sleep can impact your brain and your bod below, then try to hit the hay earlier tonight.

How it affects your brain:

While you sleep, neurons (which are pathways between nerve cells) form. This helps you remember new information that you've learned—without these connections being formed, your brain becomes exhausted making it harder to concentrate, be creative and learn new material.

How it affects your mood:

Not only does sleep deprivation impact your brain, but it also impacts your emotions. Lack of sleep can increase your chances for mood swings, decrease your patience and make it harder for you to make decisions.

How it affects your immune system:

Aside from your brain and your emotional state, your immune system will be at risk, too. During sleep, our immune systems create infection-fighting substances like cytokines that protect your body from bacteria and viruses that can make you sick.

How it affects your weight:

Like the immune system, your digestive system could be affected as well. Sleeping changes the level of hormones in your body, which controls feelings of hunger and fullness and also causes your body to release higher levels of insulin after you eat, which puts you at risk for type two diabetes.

How much sleep should you get at night?

Now that you know the potential effects the lack of sleep can have on your body, you're probably asking how much sleep you should get every night. For our GL readers that are 10-13, it’s suggested that you get nine to 11 hours of sleep and for our older GL readers that are between the ages of 14 and 16, it’s important for you to catch eight to 10 hours of Z’s every night.

How much sleep do you get every night? Let us know in the comments below! 

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

by Khadean Coombs | 8/28/2017