Sleep –it's something no one complains about getting too much of, yet most of us still don't get the recommended seven hours per night. We know that lack of sleep can make us cranky, lazy and even forgetful. But does just a single night without sleep really affect us that much?
According to Dutch researchers, it really does and what suffers most from this is our work.
A study by the Rotterdam School of Management suggests that sleep deprivation -- besides from making us drowsy and tired -- can influence us and trigger unwanted behavior –behavior that could cause issues or arguments at the office.
Those who don't get enough sleep are more likely to make mistakes and cave under pressure, creating a "destructive" atmosphere at work, the study warns.
The researchers say that sleep-deprived workers are more likely to act on selfish impulses than those who had a good night's sleep.
Researcher Laura Giurge of Erasmus University in the Netherlands says the study showed that "the display of unwanted behavior is not a fixed character trait."
The study also reveals that sleep-related disruptions not only hurt our employer but also the economy, costing billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Chronic sleep deprivation has been tied to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Lack of sleep is also known to increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, and result in poor memory and concentration.
