Sleep is one of the main human needs that plays an important role in everyday life. Good sleep is necessary for our body to function effectively and to avoid dangerous situations during the day. When we sleep, the organs and systems secrete hormones that restore the powers of the body. The brain also works hard: it processes the received information and creates the paths for the new data. In other words, during the sleep our body rests and gets ready for the next day.

Healthy sleep is the basis of the normal life. On average, a person needs approximately 8 hours of an uninterrupted sleep. When you get up well-rested, fresh, and full of energy it means that you have a good sleep. If a person does not get enough sleep, “a sleep debt” is developed. The accumulation of the “sleep debt” causes a feeling of sleepiness that negatively influences you organism and reduces your ability to perform daily functions. Insufficient sleep may also lead to the development of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and infections.

Fatigue, irritability, decreased alertness, and bad mood are the first signs of the insufficient sleep. Lack of sleep may also result in decreased performance and concentration. It has also negative influences on the processes of information consolidation and learning. A person can’t concentrate, pay attention, or react quickly. Insufficient sleep increases the risk of accidents and injuries, because of the bad reaction and attention lapses. If a person does not pay attention to the first signs of insufficient sleep, then she/he may undergo apathy, slowed speech, impaired memory and an inability to perform some tasks at once.

Persons who suffer from insufficient sleep may experience the “microsleeps” that last 10-60 seconds. If you drive during the “microsleep”, you can expose yourself and other people to serious danger and the risk of the road accident.

Insufficient sleep, which leads to the excessive sleepiness, may be caused by some sleep disorders. While untreated, they may have serious health complications. So, you should consult a doctor if you have one of the symptoms listed below: • You snore loudly • You have breathing interruptions during sleeping hours • You feel sleepy when you watch or read something interesting, or when you are in the dark room • You wake up too early and it’s difficult to fall asleep again • You experience heartburn, bad dreams, pain during the sleep

Anyway, it is easier to prevent the problems caused by insufficient sleep. The best way to do it is to stick to some important rules. These simple tips are supposed to help you sleep well and avoid the problems caused by insufficient sleep: • Establish a regular schedule of waking up and going to bed (even on weekends)

• Do not use products that contain caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the second part of the day • Take regular exercises at least 3 hours before going to bed • Use your bed only for sleep and sex • Take a bath or meditate regularly before going to bed • Create a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere in your bedroom.

To sum it up it is worthy to note that insufficient sleep may influence not only the life of the sufferer, but the mood and state of other people too. A sleepy person may become easily irritable, nervous, angry, inattentive and so on. No wonder that communicating with such person will be difficult and annoying. In order to keep your relations with colleagues, friends, and relatives good, strong, and friendly it is necessary to eliminate the problem of the insufficient sleep as soon as you notice it. Therefore, get treated and preserve your usual life style.

Natalia