20 Signs That You Need More Sleep

In today's fast-paced society, it's common to sacrifice sleep for productivity. We often think that getting a few extra hours of work done at night or waking up early to get a head start on the day will give us an edge.

However, the truth is that sleep is crucial not only for our health, but also for our productivity.

In this article, we'll explore 20 signs that you need more sleep and how it relates to productivity.

From feeling drained and irritable to struggling to stay on top of your workload and making more mistakes than usual, these symptoms can have a significant impact on your productivity levels.

Key Takeaways

• It is quite common that people experience problems with sleep in today's society, which affects all elements of life linked to energy, productivity, and well-being.
• It is necessary to review the unusual signs you are experiencing, as they may be the consequences of a bad sleep routine, which may impact your day-to-day life.
• After recognizing the signs that may indicate that you require more sleep, you can try some natural tools such as TUNE IN, which will help increase your productivity, energy and positive feelings in your body.

Am I Getting Enough Sleep?

Sleep is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, and getting enough rest is essential for optimal functioning. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the importance of sleep and fail to prioritize it in their daily routines. If you're wondering whether you're getting enough sleep, there are several indicators to look out for.

One way to gauge your sleep quality is to pay attention to your energy levels during the day. If you feel well-rested and alert throughout the day, it's a good indication that you're getting enough sleep. 

On the other hand, if you struggle to stay focused, feel irritable, or experience frequent mood swings, it may be a sign that you're not getting enough rest at night.

Another way to gauge your sleep quality is to track your sleep habits. There are various apps and devices available that can monitor your sleep cycles, including how long it takes you to fall asleep, how often you wake up during the night, and the duration of your deep sleep cycles.

Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. By paying attention to how you feel during the day and monitoring your sleep habits, you can determine if you're getting enough rest and make adjustments to your routine to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep.

20 Signs that You Need More Sleep

There are many elements that may be a sign that you are not getting adequate rest during sleep. Here are 20 signs that show you should get more sleep. 

You are Dependent on an Alarm Clock

Do you depend on your alarm clock to get you out of bed every morning? While an alarm clock is a useful tool for waking up on time, relying too heavily on it could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep. 

When we're well-rested, our bodies naturally wake up at the same time each day without the need for an external alarm. However, if you consistently hit snooze and struggle to get out of bed, it may be an indication that you're not getting the rest your body needs.

You are Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is a serious issue that affects millions of drivers each year. It's estimated that up to 20% of all accidents on the road are caused by drowsy driving, which can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you're experiencing symptoms of sleep deprivation such as difficulty staying alert, yawning excessively, or feeling your eyes get heavy, it's important to recognize these as signs that you may be at risk for drowsy driving.

To prevent drowsy driving, it's essential to prioritize your sleep and establish healthy sleep habits. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and establish a regular sleep schedule.

You Rely on Caffeine to Get Through the Day

Feeling groggy and sluggish in the morning is a common experience for many people. However, if you find yourself relying on caffeine to kickstart your day, it could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep.

Lack of sleep can have a variety of negative effects on the body, including decreased cognitive function, reduced productivity, and increased risk of accidents or mistakes. By prioritizing your sleep and reducing your reliance on caffeine, you can improve your overall health.

You Feel Anxious

Feeling anxious or irritable throughout the day can be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect your mood, making you more easily agitated and prone to feelings of anxiety and stress.

Practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can also help alleviate feelings of anxiety and promote restful sleep.

You are Making Easy Mistakes

Making mistakes is a normal part of life, but if you find yourself making more errors than usual, it could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can affect cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making, leading to more frequent and easily avoidable mistakes.

It's essential to reduce your exposure to electronic devices and other stimulating activities in the hours leading up to sleep can also improve your quality of rest.

You are Forgetful

Forgetfulness is a common occurrence in our busy lives, but if you find yourself consistently forgetting important details, it could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep.

Sleep deprivation can affect the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory consolidation, leading to forgetfulness and memory lapses.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night can improve memory consolidation and retrieval. If you continue to experience forgetfulness despite making these changes, speaking with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions is essential.

You are Cranky/Snippy

If you find yourself feeling irritable, snappy, or short-tempered, it could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect mood and emotional regulation, leading to increased irritability and impatience.

Chronic crankiness can negatively impact your interpersonal relationships, influencing your ability to communicate effectively and manage conflicts. It's important to prioritize healthy sleep habits.

You are Frequently Getting Sick

If you're frequently getting sick, it could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep. During sleep, your body produces cytokines, proteins that help fight off infection and inflammation. Chronic sleep deprivation can suppress cytokine production, making it harder for your body to fend off illness.

Additionally, sleep deprivation can also impact other aspects of immune function, such as the production of antibodies and T-cells, further compromising your ability to fight off infection.

You Fall Asleep Almost Immediately

If you fall asleep almost immediately upon lying down, it could be a sign that your body is so sleep-deprived that it's unable to stay awake. Ideally, it should take around 10–20 minutes to fall asleep once you're in bed.

If you're consistently falling asleep much more quickly than this, it's important to examine your sleep habits and ensure you're getting enough sleep each night.

You have a Low Sex Drive

A low sex drive may be a sign that your body is not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal imbalances that can affect your libido. Furthermore, feeling fatigued and exhausted can reduce your interest in intimacy. 

By making healthy sleep a priority, you can enhance your overall well-being and potentially boost your sex drive. If you are experiencing ongoing issues with libido or sleep, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider.

Problems Communicating with Others

A lack of sleep can impact your ability to communicate effectively with others. When you're sleep-deprived, you may struggle to understand the perspective of others, making it difficult to engage in productive conversations or resolve conflicts.

This can result in misunderstandings, frustration, and even damaged relationships.

You’re Dehydrated

Not getting enough sleep can leave you dehydrated, especially if you're not drinking enough fluids or sweating excessively during the night. Dehydration can be particularly dangerous for certain age groups, such as teenagers and older people, and can lead to a range of health complications. 

To stay hydrated and maintain good health, it's important to drink enough water throughout the day, especially if you're feeling tired or sleep-deprived.

You Crave Junk Food

Lack of sleep can lead to increased cravings for junk food, particularly in children and teenagers during school breaks or periods of stress. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces more ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates hunger, and less leptin, the hormone that signals fullness. 

This can lead to a vicious cycle of overeating, poor food choices, and reduced energy levels. To combat these cravings, it's important to prioritize healthy sleep habits and maintain a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Increased Irritability

Lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability, particularly in response to everyday stressors like traffic, waiting in line, or a negative sports result. When you're sleep-deprived, your brain may be more easily triggered into a fight or flight response, making it harder to regulate your emotions and remain calm in stressful situations.

You’re Always Hungry

Do you find yourself constantly hungry, even after eating a full meal? This could be a sign that you're not getting enough sleep. 

Sleep deprivation can disrupt the hormones that regulate hunger, leading to increased levels of ghrelin (a hormone that stimulates appetite) and decreased levels of leptin (a hormone that signals fullness). 

This can result in feelings of hunger and cravings for high-calorie, unhealthy foods.

You Gain Weight

Have you noticed that you've been gaining weight lately, despite eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly? Lack of sleep could be the culprit. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can disrupt the hormones that regulate metabolism, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.

Your Skin Changes

If you've been noticing changes in your skin, like dark circles, a dull complexion, or more fine lines and wrinkles, it might be time to consider whether you're getting enough sleep. 

Research shows that lack of sleep can lead to changes in your skin's appearance, and it's all due to hormones. When you don't get enough sleep, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone that can break down collagen, a protein that keeps your skin looking young and plump.

You Have Motor Skill Problems

Proper motor skills are important for everyday activities and overall physical health. However, when you're sleep-deprived, your motor skills can be severely affected. 

Simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces can become difficult, and more complex tasks like driving or playing sports can become dangerous. Sleep deprivation can cause slower reaction times, decreased coordination, and difficulty with tasks that require precision.

You Have Trouble Seeing

Does your vision becomes blurry, or do you experience eye fatigue more frequently than usual? This could be a sign that you need more sleep, as a lack of proper rest can strain the eyes and cause visual problems. In addition, not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

You have Difficulty Making Decisions

When we're not getting enough sleep, it can influence our cognitive abilities in a variety of ways. One common sign that you require more sleep is having difficulty making decisions. This can happen when our minds are overworked and tired, and we may struggle to focus or think clearly. 

When we're tired, we're more likely to make impulsive decisions or to put off making important choices altogether.

Natural Ways to Promote Sleep

Some natural ways to promote your rest and get better rest are:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to sleep.
• Limit exposure to electronics and bright light before bed.
• Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

Best Adaptogens for Sleep

Adaptogens are natural substances that can help the body adapt to stress, improve energy levels, and support overall health. Some adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and valerian root, have been shown to promote better sleep. 

It's important to note that while adaptogens have been traditionally used for their sleep-promoting properties, it's still best to consult a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine. 

Additionally, it's indispensable to maintain healthy sleep habits, such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, to ensure a good night's rest.

Adaptogens for Stress and Sleep

Some of the best known adaptogens for stress and sleep are:

• Ashwagandha
• Valerian root
• Passionflower
• Reishi mushroom
• Holy basil
• Rhodiola rosea
• Lemon balm

Natural Ways to Promote Healthier Sleep

After reviewing the signs that should make you wonder if you are getting enough sleep, you need to consider some natural options to increase your productivity and have a night of healthier sleep.

A great option to achieve this goal is with our TUNE IN. This powdered drink is a very useful low-calorie tool to recharge energy, increase productivity, and reduce procrastination.

TUNE IN is a natural supplement that can help improve sleep quality. It contains several adaptogenic herbs that are known to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep.

VYU's TUNE IN drink contains two types of mushrooms - lion's mane and cordyceps. Lion's mane is known for its potential cognitive and neurological benefits, while cordyceps may help improve physical performance and reduce fatigue.

Both mushrooms are considered adaptogens, which means they may help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. Additionally, it also contains ashwagandha extract, which is another adaptogenic herb that may help reduce stress and improve sleep.

TUNE IN by VYU is a great option for those struggling with both lack of sleep and low energy levels. The drink contains a blend of adaptogens, which are natural substances that can help the body better manage stress and promote relaxation.