Recent research highlights that, despite advice about the importance of sleep, many people continue to sacrifice hours of rest. It's not a waste of time, it's an investment. Figures such as Rafael García Guzmán, an expert in longevity, emphasize to ABC de España that sleep is not only a luxury, but a vital necessity.

Insomnia or reduced sleep hours can cause a significant deterioration in health. Effects such as energy depletion, acceleration of aging and weakening of the immune system are some of the serious consequences mentioned by experts.

"There are many mistakes that we make in our daily lives and that directly affect our longevity. But if I had to say what the top one is, number one would be sacrificing hours of sleep voluntarily," he stated flatly.

Call to action for healthy sleep habits

Encouraging a proper sleep routine is essential. It is recommended to respect between 7 and 9 hours of sleep at night, especially during hotter times, such as summer, when dehydration can negatively impact sleep quality.

García Guzmás clarifies that it does not mean that you should get up less early, but rather go to bed earlier to be able to sleep those hours that we need in our daily lives. “Because sleeping is not a whim, it is providing the body with the necessary gasoline,” he emphasizes.

He affirms that proper rest makes a difference at any level of life. "Until very recently we believed that physical exercise and nutrition were the two most important habits to improve quality of life and lengthen our life, but the latest scientific studies show us that sleep is the main thing," he says. “If you want to live longer, you have to sleep more.”

The expert explains that the process that unfolds while we are in bed is absolutely amazing. "Night rest is the time when the body regenerates, eliminates toxins and repairs cellular damage. Depriving ourselves of it is shortening our hope for health."

In conclusion: It is imperative that society recognizes that improving sleep quality can have a crucial impact on overall health and prolong life.

Long-term consequences of lack of sleep

Chronic lack of sleep seriously harms mental health: it increases the risk of depression and anxiety, impairs emotional regulation, and worsens attention, memory, and decision-making in the long term.

Main consequences

Relevant mechanisms

Associated risks and comorbidities

To do

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