Hi FAM, 
Often we take sleep for granted and don’t realize its importance to our daily health. I personally tend to sleep about an average of 4-5 hours a night.  Statistics show that we should sleep for a minimum of 8 hours a night. We need sleep as much as we need to breathe and eat. While you’re sleeping, your body is busy tending to your physical and mental health and getting you ready for another day. US Family Health Plan a TRICARE—Prime option wants to inform you of the health risk you face by not getting a full night’s sleep.

When you’re deprived of sleep, your brain can’t function properly, it affects your cognitive abilities and emotional state. If this continues eventually it can lower your body’s defenses, which may put you at risk of developing a chronic illness. Chronic sleep deprivation can interfere with balance, coordination and your ability to make decisions. Lack of sleep is very dangerous to your mental and physical health and can dramatically lower your quality of life.  Sleep is also vital to your central nervous system which is the complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body. In vertebrates it comprises the brain and spinal cord. In children and young adults the brain releases growth hormones during sleep. Without sleep it leaves the brain exhausted which can affect the way your brain performs. Another scary effect of sleep deprivation is a side effect known as micro sleep. This is when you’re fall asleep for only a few seconds but  don’t realize it. This can be very dangerous, especially if you’re driving.

I realize when I don’t get a good night’s sleep my concentration is off. I find myself repeating the same process, or forgetting what I was working on. I also become cranky, agitated and easily frustrated by the most minor issues. Here are some things you may or may have not known caused by sleep deprivation.

At US Family Health Plan, we know  the health benefits of a good night’s sleep.  Good sleep is restorative and the body feels the difference in the morning.  It also helps alleviate some medical problems. When you wake up refreshed, everyone can enjoy being around you – your family, your co-workers, and your friends.  What a difference a night makes!