Whether we’re happy about it or not, most of us have been there; cramming in revision for an upcoming exam, attempting to catch up on a mountain of work or just simply binge watching an entire season of a show.
Whatever it’s for, the day after an all-nighter is very rarely fun. After all, losing so much sleep regularly isn’t good for any of us.
But what actually happens to our bodies when we put them through an all-nighter?
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Well, obviously sleep is important. We need rest so our body functions properly.
The NHS advises that a healthy adult usually needs around seven to nine hours sleep, saying that it’s ‘vital for good physical and mental health and wellbeing’.
Not getting enough of it can be described as being sleep deprived and I’m sure for one reason or another, most of us have experienced that.
And with that lack of sleep that can come from pulling all-nighters, there are consequences to pay.
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These include:
High blood pressure
If you go eighteen whopping hours without getting some sleep, your blood pressure will start to rise.
Plus, research shows that you could therefore be at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
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Lower testosterone
This is one for the lads (and those who naturally produce higher levels of testosterone).
Studies reportedly found that staying awake for that mega eighteen hours or longer can result in a significant decrease in the level of testosterone.
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Weakened immune system
The Mayo Clinic reports that a lack of sleep can weaken your immune system.
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It says: “Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.
Impacted concentration/irritability
Being up all-night for just one night can cause an impact on your concentration, a rise in stress levels and irritability.
So while you might get some impressive revision in during the night, it’s unlikely the next day will be effective.
Cravings for unhealthy food
Once you hit that scary 24-hour mark of no sleep, you’ll start craving treats like chocolate.
Sleep medicine specialist Dr Andrey Zinchuk told YaleMedicine: “I think of every hour of sleep as putting money into a 'sleep' savings account. If your 'sleep' savings account is depleted or overdrawn, it will negatively affect your brain and how you interact with the world."
So next time you’re staying up to get through that show everyone at work is banging on about, think about what the lack of sleep is going to do to your body.
Jess Battison