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Increased blood pressure
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An unhealthy diet, stress and certain habits, and lack of sleep can all cause your blood pressure to rise. In some cases, this may be temporary; in others, it could indicate a more serious underlying problem. One study showed that even mild sleep deprivation can increase blood pressure. This condition, known as nocturnal hypertension, can be dangerous for some individuals. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your blood pressure without medication; start by making sure you get enough sleep each night.
inflammation
Researchers discovered in one study that people who didn't get enough sleep had higher levels of pro-inflammatory molecules like cytokines and interleukin-6 than those who got adequate rest. In addition, those who didn't get enough shut-eye also had elevated C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker commonly seen among people at increased risk for heart disease or diabetes.
Weight gain
Sleep deprivation can cause an increase in appetite, which leads to weight gain. This is because lack of shut-eye affects the neurotransmitters that control hunger, such as ghrelin and leptin. In addition, lack of sleep impairs the ability of fat cells to process sugar in the blood, leading to high glucose levels, an independent risk factor for diabetes. Additionally, when you're sleep deprived, your body produces more cortisol. This hormone is known to contribute to weight gain through fat storage.
