Here's what happens to your body when you sleep less than six hours

Expert advice is that every adult should sleep an average of seven to nine hours. It's no secret that a sleepless night is a common thing for some people, but it can cause a number of health problems, according to doctors.

This is especially true for those who struggle with insomnia.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to a number of problems, from increased anxiety levels to loss of productivity. Doctor Sue Peacock has warned of the changes you will feel.

Lack of sleep can compromise the entire immune system, and here's what can happen to the body if we sleep less than six hours:

weaker immunity

increased level of anxiety

increased risk for depression

menstrual cycle disorders

weight gain

loss of productivity

Recent research also confirms that less than six hours of sleep can affect our health in various ways.

"Our research shows that people who sleep only six hours a night or even less are exposed to a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke and heart attack. There is also an increased risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Not only that, lack of sleep is also closely linked to memory and cognitive impairment, and even increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease," explained Dr. Sue Peacock.