My mom told many years ago when my kids were younger that sleep becomes your best friend as you get older. Sleep was hard to come by when they were little. With them being adults, my mom was right about sleep being my best friend. I’m usually getting around 8 to 9 hours of sleep at night. About 3 to 4 years ago, my sleeping habits were awful. Having sleepless nights is a feeling I’ll never want to experience ever again. There were so many things that happened whenever sleep wasn’t being gotten. Check out 6 signs you aren’t getting enough sleep.

The Eyes Said It All

You can tell people all you want that you’re sleeping good, but the eyes says it all. Redness, puffiness, dark circles, and bags — all signs that you’re not getting enough rest. The sleep-deprived tend to get more wrinkles, lines, swelling, and droopiness.

Gained Weight Due to Unhealthy Eating Habits

Unfortunately, when those late nights hit and sleep was nowhere in sight, the kitchen was the go-to spot. Those late nights and no sleep equaled the urge to eat, which lead to weight gain. I’m a huge fan of salads and fruit, but only burgers were fulfilling those hunger pains. Burgers, chips, cookies and other unhealthy choices help pack on quite a few pounds.

The Caffeine Cravings Kicked In

As we all know, caffeine helps kick things into gear when you’re tired. Coffee with a ton of sugar was something that was being consumed often. Iced coffee from Dunkin’ with some caramel and sugar also became addicting. Caffeine may seem like an answer to poor sleep, but it quickly can become part of the problem. In the short term, the pick-me-up of coffee or soda may make you more alert, but in the long term, it can lead to insomnia or anxiety.

Always in A Bad Mood

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I’m always laughing, joking and someone who’s always happy. Irritability is a big sign of poor sleep. During those times when sleep was lacking, your demeanor changes and you find yourself angry for no reason. Sleep is good for your mental health also. Lack of sleep will lead you to being mentally exhausted.

Lacked Focus

Losing sleep will affect your focus immediately. You can feel groggy, plus you lack in concentration which affects the memory. When it comes to working or anything I’m involved in, focus is something that you don’t worry about. The lack of sleep will have your mind everywhere except where it needs to be.

Bad Mornings

There are still times where I’m not getting the best of sleep. I’m wearing my Apple Watch to keep track of my sleeping habits at night. Those mornings where I’m getting light sleep you could tell the difference. I’ll wake up with a sore throat or headache and sometimes a sore throat.

Ways to Get a Result Night of Sleep

For the last year or so, I’ve been getting some amazing sleep for the most part. I’ve been going to bed at the same time every night and I’m keeping that routine. My room stays cool, quiet and I’ve bought some dark curtains and blinds to keep my room dark. Every other day after work, I’ve been going to the gym and that has helped a lot.

Please follow and like us: