Is a lack of sleep linked to America’s biggest killer?

According to the American Heart Foundation, people who don’t get enough sleep are at a much higher risk of suffering a fatal stroke or heart attack, the country’s leading cause of death.

But, that’s not all.

Diabetes, obesity and even premature death are just a few of the other severe health problems that can stem from sleep deprivation. And with a massive one-third of Americans not getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours a night, there’s real reason for concern.

The good news is you're not alone- approximately 60 million Americans have trouble sleeping.

Although, this doesn’t have to be you.

There is one simple solution which we will share at the end of this article that can help improve the quality of your sleep.

But, do you know what to look out for? Find out if the harmful side effects of sleep deprivation are impacting you.

Have you ever felt so exhausted you struggle to process what’s happening around you? Or stepped off a long-haul flight and couldn’t recall you’re pin code?

A lack of sleep takes its toll on your memory and cognition, impacting your ability to process, retain and recall information.

While forgetting your pin code is annoying, when sleep deprivation creeps into your workplace, it becomes a real problem. Poor concentration and difficulty making decisions can severely impact your productivity at work.

Your mom probably made you rest when you were under the weather. And rightly so, sleep aids recovery by allowing the immune system to do its work.

Our immune system produces a stronger fever during sleep to fight off infections. But, did you know that poor sleep over time makes us even more vulnerable to catching a common cold or flu as well?

During sleep, our body generates new immune cells designed to attack invading bacteria and viruses immediately. This is why people who get inadequate sleep receive poor protection from flu vaccinations.

Ever wonder whether you’re feeling tired or hungry? You’re right to feel confused. According to Harvard University, sleep deprivation results in lower levels of leptin, an important hormone that informs the brain when we’ve had enough to eat.

It also decreases the secretion of ghrelin, a hormone responsible for stimulating hunger. The result: increased appetite and a tendency to overeat.

Of course, there’s also the apparent lack of energy, which curtails any attempts to get to the gym and exercise.

Hormonal imbalances caused by sleep deprivation can lead to type II diabetes, an irreversible condition that requires daily injections to manage.

Research shows that sleep-deprived people have significantly higher blood sugar levels throughout the day. This indicates a reduced ability to utilize sugar for energy, which is a significant cause of the life-threatening condition.

No one ever felt a million dollars after a rough night’s sleep. But, did you know sleep deprivation can also cause your skin to age faster?

A recent clinical trial commissioned by Estée Lauder demonstrated that women with chronic sleep deprivation have accelerated signs of skin aging, including the appearance of uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and reduced skin elasticity.

The study also found that poor sleepers experience slower recovery from environmental impacts, such as sun exposure.

Sleep science reveals restless nights among both men and women can interfere with your sex drive. Depleted energy levels, drowsiness, and increased stress are the culprits.

A drop in testosterone levels has also been to blame for low libidos among sleep-deprived males.

Sleep science is only beginning to touch the surface of how poor sleep affects all aspects of our life. Although all research so far suggests that if you want to make the most of your time, you need to prioritize sleep.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution. An effective and simple way to achieve total darkness is by using a sleeping mask.

Sleeping masks are designed to block out light helping you fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.

Although, not all sleeping masks are created equal.

Light leakage, uncomfortable straps and too much pressure on your eyes can cause you to wake up feeling groggy and with a sore head. When it comes to choosing the right sleeping mask, quality matters.

Imagine a sleeping mask that can help you achieve 100% darkness for an entire eight hours?

A sleeping mask that fits perfectly to your face and promotes REM (rapid eye movement), helping you feel well-rested and more energetic in the morning?

This is all possible with the Manta Sleep Mask.