you might’t really recoup lost sleep, but you might get better sleep starting right now.
What Is Sleep Debt?
In simpler terms, sleep debt is your total amount of sleep lost.
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How Sleep Debt Impacts Health
The potential health impacts of sleep debt go beyond simply feeling crummy.
Sleep is banked by the body and fuels all brain and bodily functions, she explains.
When we dont get as much sleep as we need over time, the hours of missed sleep accrue.
Is Sleep Debt Something to Worry About?
Many sleep experts agree thatlearning to get byon little sleep isnt ultimately feasible or ideal for health and well-being.
It can impact everything from your appetite to the way your body processes sugar, Dr. Cohen explains.
Can You Get Out of Sleep Debt?
People often sleep less during the work week and then sleep more hours on weekends, Dr. Cohen says.
To catch up, you better ensure youre getting adequate sleep consecutive nights in a row.
If you have significant sleep debt, it can take months to recover fully, Dr. Cohen says.
Commit to sticking to your new sleep schedule for good, and you will continue to benefit over time.
