Devastating Consequences of Insomnia

Humans are the only species that deprive themselves of sleep. As someone who has prioritized sleep basically since birth, it's a hard one for me to wrap my head around. After all, sleep deprivation is rumored to still be used as the most common form of torture. I honestly feel tortured if I don't get at least 6 hours!

As an ADHDer, symptoms are 50% worse the day after a bad night's sleep. Proper sleep is vital to health, especially if you have ADHD. That means enough hours of sleep AND quality. Getting tested for sleep apnea is crucial. 

Sleep is not the absence of wakefulness. It nourishes the mind and body and is a very active process. “Sleeping” while high on drugs (medication as well) or alcohol is not a "real sleep." The chances of injury from a fall or car accident rapidly rise as the number of hours you sleep decreases.

1.2 million American car crashes are caused by drowsy driving. That's 4X more than drunk driving accidents. 

Here are a few other facts from my sleep-educating fave, Matthew Walker.

• Sleeping less than 6 hours of sleep a night causes a 40% increased risk of cancers and 300% increase in heart disease
• Those with insomnia or untreated sleep apnea 2x more likely to develop dementia
• Limiting sleep to 5 hours a night for a week reduces sperm quality and quantity in men
• For women, less than 6 hours of sleep increases the chances of irregular menstrual cycles, sub-fertility, and a first-trimester miscarriage

Never underestimate the healing power of a healthy, routine sleep schedule. If you struggle with sleep and have ADHD, learn how to optimize your health and relationships with my ADHD in Relationships course