If you sleep for this amount of time, expert reveals the impact on your life: “It’s like drinking six beers”

Sleeping just four hours a night causes a decline in attention and concentration equivalent to having drunk about six beers, according to sleep specialist Nuria Roure.

During a recent talk, Roure explained that today’s pace of life – with constant screen time, work stress, and long schedules – is pushing many people to sleep far less than they should. Sleeping only four hours, she said, means having been awake for over 20 hours, which “leaves the brain functioning the next day like that of someone who’s had six beers.”

The hidden toll of sleep deprivation

The impact of chronic sleep loss goes far beyond simple tiredness. Roure points out that during sleep, three key types of repair occur: physical (in the deep phases early in the night), cognitive (when memories consolidate), and emotional (when we regulate mood). Cutting back on sleep disrupts these essential processes, leading to irritability, memory lapses, lower frustration tolerance, and even a higher risk of depression.

According to the Spanish Sleep Society (SES), Spaniards average between six and six and a half hours of sleep per night – well below the recommended seven to eight hours. That shortfall, experts warn, makes rest a critical public health issue.

Among the effects linked to chronic sleep deprivation are a weakened immune system, increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, and slower brain performance comparable to mild alcohol intoxication.

How to improve your sleep hygiene

To counteract these risks, Roure offers four simple yet effective guidelines for better rest: maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule; avoid caffeine and energy drinks after mid-afternoon; eat a light dinner and steer clear of screens at least an hour before bed; and create a sleep-friendly environment – dark, quiet, and well-ventilated.

Ultimately, Roure stresses that “sleep isn’t a luxury but a biological necessity” vital for daily functioning. Her warning is blunt: sleeping only four hours a night brings a loss of performance equivalent to a light hangover – with all the risks that implies.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.