8 Signs You're Not Getting Enough Sleep

A near-constant state of sleep-deprivation is, I think, one of the hallmarks of being between the ages of 18 and 24. Between college, first jobs, and trying to live up this Thought Catalog list of crazy nightlife stories, there isn't much time left over for good, old-fashioned shut-eye. Not sleeping enough is a real problem — it can affect mood and productivity, and compromise your success at your job, in school, and in interpersonal relationships. Not sure if you're getting enough sleep? Check out this list of eight symptoms and see how many boxes you tick.

1. You're constantly hungry, and not for salad.

Sleep affects the body's production of the hormone grehlin, which is in charge of hunger and satiety. Too little sleep can lead to too much grehlin production which, in turn, not only makes you hungry, but makes you crave carbs and fats.

2. You can't find your keys. Or your glasses.

Forgetfulness is a symptom of sleep deprivation. Mind you, eight hours won't magically tell you where your keys are, but it might help you remember the next time you put them down.

3. Caffeine just doesn't cut it.

Needing three cups of coffee to feel like a person instead of one is a sign of caffeine dependency, which means you may not be getting enough hours in the sack.

4. You're crying again, and there's no way it's PMS.

Lacking restful sleep means you don't have time to recharge your emotional batteries. Tired people can often be irritable and weepy. If you're more sensitive than usual, maybe try to get a few more hours of sleep instead of reaching for the Midol.

5. Sex just doesn't sound good.

Loss of libido is another little-known effect of lack of sleep. Switch the usual order and try the nap before the sex.

6. You always wake up groggy.

This is actually an indicator both of too little and of too much sleep. If you constantly wake up feeling like you got hit by a bus, something's gotta give.

7. Near-constant half-napping

You can't focus, and you are starting to fall half-asleep if given the slightest provocation (like sitting in a car, or on the bus, or on the couch), but you can't seem to sleep at night. Hard as it may be, you need to hold off on napping and actually try to sleep at night.

8. You can't shake that cold (or cough, or whatever).

When you're tired it's hard to fight off being sick. In fact, it usually makes you sicker. Sleep is even more important than chicken soup and O.J. when it comes to getting healthy.