If you yawn frequently throughout the day or constantly resort to coffee due to lack of sleep, it may not only be tiredness but also a sign of a serious health problem. According to experts, such symptoms often indicate a severe lack of sleep, which can prove dangerous over time. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, an American organization, has clarified in a recent statement that frequent yawning is actually a sign of insufficient sleep, and if it is not addressed, it can be harmful to health. This position has also been supported by 25 medical organizations around the world. According to the president of the organization, sleep deprivation is not limited to the individual, but its effects can spread to society. For example, driving while drowsy can lead to accidents, while lack of attention during work can lead to mistakes and other problems. Experts say that not getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep per day increases the risks of diabetes, depression, heart and kidney diseases, high blood pressure, obesity and stroke. About a third of adults in the United States complain of unusual daytime drowsiness, which shows the seriousness of the problem. According to sleep experts, people often ignore drowsiness as something minor, such as falling asleep in a meeting, even though it is a clear indication that the body is not getting adequate rest. The doctor says that a person who is fully rested will not feel sleepy despite being bored. Continuous lack of sleep affects mental performance, due to which a person is not able to accurately assess his condition. Such people make more mistakes in memory, reaction and coordination tests, although they feel that they are fine. Experts warn that during severe sleep deprivation, the brain can go into a “microsleep” for a few moments, which can be extremely dangerous, especially when driving or performing sensitive tasks. According to statistics, about 100,000 traffic accidents occur in the United States each year due to sleep-driving. Causes of sleep deprivation can include sleep apnea, insomnia, poor lifestyle habits, medications and stress. According to experts, excessive caffeine, drinking alcohol before bed, lack of exercise and an uncomfortable environment also affect the quality of sleep. Experts advise that if a person experiences persistent drowsiness or lack of sleep, it should be taken seriously and, if necessary, a medical examination should be performed, so that timely diagnosis and treatment can be possible.
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