I'm a sleep psychologist & here's what less than 6 hours snooze does to you

THE SUN

AS a society we have become obsessed with sleep – how much we’re getting, the quality and how to improve it.

And it’s hardly surprising, now that several new studies have touted the numerous health benefits of some extra shut-eye

Even celebs like Jennifer Lopez have heralded sleep as the key to her seemingly ageless beauty.

For adults aged between 18 and 80, the NHS recommends a healthy sleep can range between six and 11 hours.

However, most Brits still only gets six hours and 19 minutes’ sleep a night.

But it’s important to not stress about not sleeping, Dr Sue Peacock, a consultant health psychologist says.

“Anxiety about sleep can lead to sleep disturbance and insomnia, which then creates a feedback loop that can make both conditions worsen,” she tells The Sun.

It’s important to remember that the “odd night” of poor sleep “isn’t going to do a great deal other than make you feel tired or perhaps a little tetchy,” she explains.

“It’s consistent lack of sleep that can be problematic,” she said.