They’re at a much higher risk for traffic accidents. Tired people tend to be less productive at work. “Loss of sleep impairs your higher levels of reasoning, problem-solving and attention to detail,” Mitler explains. “The fact is, when we look at well-rested people, they’re operating at a different level than people trying to get by on 1 or 2 hours less nightly sleep,” says Mitler. Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and focus better. When you’re tired, you can’t function at your best. Merrill Mitler, a sleep expert and neuroscientist at NIH. “Sleep services all aspects of our body in one way or another: molecular, energy balance, as well as intellectual function, alertness and mood,” says Dr. Internal organs and processes are hard at work throughout the night. But while you’re sleeping, your brain and body don’t just shut down. Of course, sleep helps you feel rested each day.

But sleep affects both mental and physical health. To fit everything in, we often sacrifice sleep. We have so many demands on our time-jobs, family, errands-not to mention finding some time to relax.

Affect on you