Many people think that not getting ample sleep could simply result in irritability or drowsiness during the day. However, while the above are certainly known effects of not getting enough sleep, they certainly aren't the only ones. The fact is, not getting enough sleep has a lot more serious consequences. 

According to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch, there are a number of other reasons why people shouldn’t skimp on sleep.

Some of them include:

1. Being able to properly and effectively learn, remember, and comprehend - Sleeping allows the brain to go through process called memory consolidation where it helps the mind commit new information to memory.

2. Maintaining a healthy weight - Sleep deprivation could alter your appetite and cause your body to process and store carbs inefficiently thus causing weight gain.

3. Keeping a healthy heart - Hypertension and irregular heartbeat have been linked to sleep disorders which is why it’s incredibly important to sustain healthy sleeping habits.

4. Fighting illnesses - Not getting enough sleep can weaken your body’s immune function, thus increasing the chances of you getting sick.

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