It’s rumored that some highly dedicated people, including historical figures, slept for only a couple of hours a night. Some politicians try to get away with it, for instance. But Orange County residents that aren’t getting at least 7-8 hours per night are doing themselves a disservice. There are significant risks associated with not sleeping as much, so consider this the next time you lie down on your mattress.

Health Risks

Guinness World Records once kept track of the longest time a person could go without sleep, but they no longer do. The reason? It was considered to be too dangerous. Forcing your body to go without sleep can have devastating effects, whether it’s for a period of 48 or 72 hours, or whether you’re robbing yourself of sleep for weeks or months.

When you don’t get your mattress time, Orange County, you have a higher risk of both heart attacks and strokes. You are more prone to be overweight or obese if you don’t get enough sleep. The risk of many different types of cancer, including breast cancer, increases with less sleep as well. A healthy amount of sleep can also go a long way toward battling depression.

Mental Acuity

You also have far less control of your faculties the longer you go without sleep. When faced with simple challenges, many studies have shown that people who were well rested were able to get through them much more efficiently, while those who had skimped on that valuable mattress time didn’t fare as well.

If you’re looking to get a promotion at work, get to bed earlier, Orange County residents. You’ll be able to tackle whatever the day throws at you with a lot more confidence that way, and you won’t be nearly as reliant on sugary sodas and coffee.

Sleep also increases your ability to empathize with your fellow humans. That applies to your coworkers, friends, and family, so if you sleep more, your relationships are likely to improve. If you’re a student, you will also be able to retain the information that you are learning more easily, whether in grade school or at the college level.

When you sleep more on a comfortable mattress, Orange County, you’ll be leaner, you’ll be in a better mood more often, and you’ll get the best out of yourself both in work and your home life. The more sleep you allow yourself to get, the better you’ll feel, so try and make this positive change in your life this year.