How how bad for you is 5 hours of sleep

Getting only 5 hours of sleep can significantly affect your health. Matt Walker, a noted sleep expert, explains that even minor reductions in sleep, such as losing just one hour in events like daylight saving time, can increase heart attack risk by 24% the following day. This emphasizes that insufficient sleep disrupts crucial health functions, leading to heightened risks for cardiovascular issues, among others 1.

Moreover, sleep deprivation impacts metabolism and immune function. Regularly sleeping less than 6 hours is linked with higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold and flu 2 3. Additionally, inadequate sleep affects neural functioning and mood regulation, contributing to broader mental and physical health challenges 2. Thus, maintaining a regular sleep schedule with sufficient high-quality rest is crucial for your overall health and well-being.