Am I Sleep Deprived? 5 Surprising Signs Your Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation seems easily enough to explain - you're tired, that's it. But there are many other symptoms to sleep deprivation. Tired is a very vague term that means different things to different people. But tired is just the tip of the iceberg of sleep deprivation.

We are all tired at the end of the day, and you don't have to be sleep deprived to be tired. Tired is a normal state of being in which you may not be functioning at an optimal level, but you can do simpler tasks. You are well aware that you are tired.

But a serious sleep deficiency can build over time. You may be "getting used to" less sleep, or low quality sleep, or interrupted sleep. But the deficiency builds-up and can pose several problems in our mind and body.

Sleep deprivation can be the culprit for many symptoms. Do any of these ring a bell?

Difficulty learning - it is not only difficult to learn something new, but difficult to maintain the knowledge after a short time.

Impatience and mood swings - when you are sleep deprived you are less able to rationally and patiently handle the curveballs of life. Small problems seem large, and large problems seem insurmountable.

Anxiety and stress - much life impatience, due to compromised coping skills, stress and anxiety build up. In fact, anxiety and stress are the number one reason people don't get enough sleep to begin with, thus creating the endless sleeplessness spiral.

Aggravation of physical pain - if you are already suffering from any kind of physical pain or trying to recover from an injury, your body cannot repair itself without sleep. Sleep is the body's time to recharge the battery. It is the more important to your recovery than any vitamin.

Weight gain. Yes, weight gain! There are several reasons for weight gain and sleep to be intertwined. First, without your body's ability to replenish itself you feel a lack of energy which draws you towards food. Furthermore, you are most likely to crave the foods most likely to be terrible for your weight - sugars and simple carbohydrates - which are known to give you a quick boost in energy, and bring you down crashing.

Secondly, with a lack of energy and moodiness associated with lack of sleep, you are less likely to be physical active. Your metabolism, your ability to burn calories, is compromised.

If you are struggling with any of the symptoms listed above, you may want to review your sleep habits. Count the number of hours you sleep, notice how long you sleep undisturbed and how you feel in the morning. You may be surprised to find deficiencies in your sleeping needs.

Your next step is to ask yourself why you are not getting enough sleep and addressing this issue. Find the tools and advice you need for a good night's sleep. It is essential for your health and happiness!

What's the #1 Secret About Sleep Deprivation the Doctors Ignore and "Natural" Medicines Can't Fix? Free Video at http://www.howcanisleepwell.com.

You can quickly learn the skills you need to know to fall asleep fast, stay asleep through the night and wake-up energized. You don't need gadgets and pills! Poor sleep habits cause physical, mental and emotional damage that can easily be prevented.

Avinoam Lerner is a certified hypnotherapist and holistic healer working mostly with cancer and chronic illness patients while providing everyone the tools to stay healthy using the power of the mind-body connection.