This Is Your Body on Sleep Deprivation

by Brittany Risher
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This Is Your Body on Sleep Deprivation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of Americans aren’t regularly getting enough of it.

Although the exact details of why we sleep are still being investigated, we know it’s hard to function without it. As sleep science pioneer Allan Rechtschaffen, PhD, is often quoted as saying, “If sleep doesn’t serve some vital function, it is the biggest mistake evolution ever made.”

Insufficient sleep causes changes in more than 700 genes, one study found. Here’s how that plays out in your body.

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About the Author

Brittany Risher

Brittany is a writer, editor and digital strategist specializing in health and lifestyle content. She loves experimenting with new vegan recipes and believes hummus is a food group. To stay sane from working too hard, she turns to yoga, strength training, meditation and scotch. Connect with her on TwitterInstagram, and Google+.

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