Superdrug Online Doctor reveals five surprising ways lack of sleep is impacting Brits—plus expert tips on getting a good night’s rest
London, March 2025– From reducing your libido to increasing cravings for unhealthy foods, poor sleep is quietly disrupting key aspects of your daily life.
To mark World Sleep Day on 14th March, Superdrug Online Doctor has spoke exlusviely to health expert and GP Dr Hana Patel, to reveal the lesser-known impacts of poor sleep—and how to fix them [2].
- Sleep less, want less sex
Superdrug Online Doctor’s latest study reveals that 1 in 5 people cite fatigue as the biggest barrier to a healthy sex life, particularly women. Sleep deprivation disrupts hormones like testosterone and oestrogen, which are essential for libido and arousal. A tired brain also struggles with emotional connection, making intimacy feel like a chore rather than a pleasure. - Your cravings are lying to you
Ever found yourself reaching for a strong coffee and a pastry after a poor night’s sleep? That’s because lack of sleep throws off ghrelin and leptin—the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. This makes you crave sugary, high-carb foods for a quick energy boost—only to crash later in the day. - You’re forgetting the little things (and the big ones!)
Sleep deprivation is a silent memory thief. Whether it’s forgetting where you put your keys, missing a deadline, or struggling to retain new information, lack of sleep makes everything a little fuzzier. That’s because sleep is crucial for memory consolidation—without enough rest, your brain struggles to process and store new information effectively, leading to forgetfulness and mental fog. - Your emotional radar is off
Ever misread a text and thought someone was being rude when they weren’t? That might be your sleep-deprived brain at work. Research shows that lack of sleep makes it harder to interpret facial expressions and tone of voice, making people more likely to assume the worst in social interactions, leading to anxiety and stress. - Your skin is ageing faster
Beauty sleep isn’t just a phrase—it’s backed by science. Sleep deprivation increases cortisol (the stress hormone), which breaks down collagen and speeds up skin ageing, leading to premature wrinkles, dullness, and stubborn dark circles.
How to Improve Your Sleep
- Stick to a sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body clock.
- Limit screen time before bed: Blue light from phones and laptops suppresses melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.
- Cut back on caffeine: Avoid coffee and energy drinks at least six hours before bedtime.
- Create a bedtime routine: Relaxing activities like reading or a warm bath signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
- Optimise your sleep environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to promote deep sleep.
