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If you've ever spent a night tossing and turning, you know how tired, grumpy, and out of sorts, you'll feel the next day. However, not getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night does more than make you sluggish and irritable.

Sleep deprivation has long-term consequences. It depletes your mental capacities and jeopardizes your physical health. Sleep deprivation has been related to a variety of health issues, ranging from weight gain to a compromised immune system.

A good night's sleep is crucial to your overall health. It is, in fact, just as vital as eating well and exercising regularly. There's a lot that can disrupt natural sleep habits, unfortunately.

People are sleeping less than they used to, and the quality of their sleep has deteriorated. Here are ten reasons why getting enough sleep is critical.

The following are indications of sleep deprivation:

1. excessive yawning.

2. irritability.

3. exhaustion during the day.

1. Exhausted brain 

Your central nervous system is your body's principal information highway. Sleep is crucial for your body to function correctly, but severe insomnia can cause disruptions in the way your body sends and processes information.

Pathways establish between nerve cells (neurons) in your brain during sleep that helps you recall new information. Sleep deprivation exhausts your brain, making it unable to perform its functions effectively.

It may also be more difficult for you to concentrate or learn new information. Your body's signals may also be delayed, reducing your coordination and raising your chances of an accident.

2. Coronary artery disease

Sleep has an impact on processes that maintain your heart and blood vessels healthy, such as blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation levels. It's also important for the body's ability to heal and rebuild blood vessels and the heart.

Cardiovascular disease is more common in people who do not get enough sleep. In one study, insomnia was associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke

The police are yet to make public the suicide note that Dr Lydia Wahura left behind before she committed suicide in her car. But judging from her Facebook posts it gives an indication of someone who was depressed because of demanding work conditions. At one time she posted that she had to close people's abdomen using a Torchlight because of lack of necessary equipment.

Many people who knew the young doctor have described her in glowing terms. She was an ardent health rights activists and always fought to make sure doctors and other healthcare workers were working on safe conditions. The health system has been greatly stretched by the covid-19 pandemic and this might have led Wahura to the brink of depression.

At one time she posted that work was going to kill her. In another painful post she described how she watched three babies die because she lacked proper equipment to save them. While we go to our doctors when we are overwhelmed and burden them with our anxiety, many a times we forget they are humans too. They also need counseling and mental health care. May the painful story of this young doctor be a wake up call to all stakeholders to strive in giving healthcare workers the best working conditions. Rest in peace Daktari