Can you get sick from not getting enough sleep?

My smartwatch shows my HRV and recovery score drop drastically when I get less than 6 hours of sleep. I have noticed I always catch a cold right after my recovery score stays in the red for three days.

Yes, chronic sleep lack lowers your white blood cell count, making it much easier to catch viral infections. Make sure to prioritize rest, and if you feel a cold coming on, just take some steam and sleep early.

With my PCOS, lack of sleep instantly spikes my cortisol levels, which messes up my hormones and makes me feel fatigued and physically sick. It is so important to protect our sleep routine.

My general physician explained that long-term sleep deprivation increases the risk of chronic issues like hypertension and diabetes because the body stays in a constant state of low-grade stress. It is not just about feeling tired.

If you are constantly feeling physically sick due to poor sleep, please don't ignore it. It is best to visit a doctor and get a complete checkup done to ensure there isn't an underlying vitamin deficiency or thyroid issue.