Sleep plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being. In children and teens, sleep is important for healthy growth and development. In adults, it helps to promote healthy brain function. You may feel like you are too busy to get enough sleep, but after reading this, we hope you will think twice before downing another energy drink to meet a deadline.

An ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for chronic health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. If you have not had enough quality sleep, your immune system may be more susceptible to common infections. When you get enough sleep, your immune system is boosted and able to fight off these common infections.

Drowsy driving also poses a significant risk to you and others on the road. Studies show that drowsy driving harms your judgment as bad, if not worse than, drunk driving. After several nights of losing even 1-2 hours of sleep each night leads to lack of function during the daytime. This can cause inability to focus, irritability, and mood swings.

Being well-rested can improve your overall well-being and health. The next time you are pushing to meet a deadline, think of what you are sacrificing for that. You will be able to pay better attention to your tasks if you are well rested and you will be more efficient in your work and personal life. Do yourself a favor and get the rest your body and brain desperately needs each night!