Chilling AI photos exhibits brutal bodily toll sleep-deprivation takes in your physique
The alarming visible impact lack of sleep can have on the body which extends far beyond mere fatigue has been shown in grim AI generated images.
From dry, patchy skin and brittle nails to expanding waistlines, the research highlights the dramatic physical effects of sleep deprivation.
It underscores the toll that inadequate sleep can take and emphasises the importance of quality rest for the body. The study was conducted by experts at Simba who surveyed 2,175 adults across the UK.
Participants were asked about their sleep habits, specifically whether they typically got more or less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night, as advised by the NHS for adults. Respondents then answered questions regarding their physical health and appearance.
Using advanced AI, the sleep technology company generated images illustrating the effects caused by sleep deprivation. From swollen limbs to noticeably cold hands and feet, the images vividly depict the tangible – and observable – impact of being over tired.
The survey reveals that over 60% of Brits get LESS than 7 hours of sleep – with women experiencing sleep deprivation more than men (62% vs. 57%) and those aged 35 to 44 suffering the most (67%).
Interestingly, young adults (18-24) and seniors (65+) are most likely to get adequate sleep (48% and 46% respectively).
Skin Under Siege
The research has shown that the skin is one of the first areas of the body to display signs of sleep deprivation. Almost twice as many women (28%) report having sensitive skin compared to men (17%) after consistently lacking sleep.
The most common issues, which affect women more than men, include brittle or fragile nails (18% vs 7%), blotchy or uneven skin tone (14% vs 6%) and dull or sallow skin (11% vs 7%).
Those aged between 35-44 saw the most significant effects, with nearly half (44%) reporting an increase in facial eczema, a chronic skin condition. However, those aged 18 to 34 experienced more severe problems, with over 70% of sufferers noticing an increase in facial dermatitis.
Over half of this age group also reported experiencing psoriasis on their arms (30%).
Why does this occur?
“A lack of sleep doesn’t just leave you tired – it shows up all over your body”, explains Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity. She added: “At night, the skin works hard to regenerate and repair itself. During rest, blood flow increases, aiding its natural repair processes and promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. When sleep is compromised, reduced blood flow makes the skin look dull and lifeless, robbing it of its natural radiance and vitality.
“Moreover, when you’re short on sleep, cortisol levels – the stress hormone – rise, worsening inflammatory skin conditions, exacerbating conditions like eczema and psoriasis, leading to irritation, redness, and itching. Wounds also heal more slowly as the body prioritises other functions over skin repair.”
The Weight of Insomnia
The study underscores a link between sleep deprivation and weight. It found that nearly 7/10 of poll respondents with a BMI in the obese category slept less than the recommended seven hours per night compared to 44% of those in the healthy weight category and 55% in the underweight category.
Interestingly, London has the highest proportion of underweight individuals, with just under 20% of the capital’s population.
Just under 8/10 (79%) of those who slept less than seven hours a night reported an increase in belly fat. A third of underweight individuals linked symptoms to lack of sleep, dropping to one in four healthy individuals and less than one in five obese individuals.
Belly fat was found to be consistent across genders, increasing from 76% in the 18 to 34 age group to 85% in those over 55. Women, especially those aged between 25 and 34 (32%), are more likely to snack on sugary foods (27% vs 20% of men). One-third of women also turn to food to deal with stress, leading to higher levels of snacking compared to one in five men.
However, late-night eating is most prevalent among 18-34 year-olds (22-23%). So, what’s the science behind it?
“During sleep, the body balances hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which control hunger and satiety. Without adequate rest, ghrelin levels spike, making people feel hungrier, while leptin levels decrease, reducing the feeling of fullness. This hormonal imbalance triggers overeating, especially cravings for high-calorie sugary foods”, explains Lisa Artis.
“Sleep deprivation can disrupt key hormones that regulate fat storage, leading to different patterns of weight gain in women and men. Women are more likely to see increased fat in the hips and thighs due to hormonal changes, while men may notice more abdominal fat due to decreased testosterone levels.”
The Warning Signs
Half of people, regardless of gender, notice eczema and/or dermatitis on their hands. Those over 35 are 30% more likely to experience sensitive skin as well as dry and flaky skin.
These symptoms are more pronounced in older women. So, what’s causing this change?
“Hydrated cells help produce more collagen, which strengthens nails. However, inadequate sleep disrupts your body’s moisture balance, leading to brittle nails. Additionally, lack of sleep may trigger neurological reflexes, resulting in shakiness”, explains Artis.
Short-changing your body
Artis highlights that “Sleep is crucial for muscle repair and recovery. When you short-change sleep, your body doesn’t get enough time to restore the muscles, which may lead to stiffness, weakened muscles and poor posture over time.
“For older adults, this problem could be exacerbated, as they are already more susceptible to muscle deterioration and bone density loss. Insufficient sleep could speed up these issues, making it harder to maintain balance and a healthy posture.
“Sleep quality is just as important as sleep quantity for maintaining effective performance. A medium-firm mattress is generally considered to be best for most people, as it provides proper spinal alignment and comfort.”
