Are you getting enough sleep?

Sleep is not overrated. It's an absolute necessity for a healthy body and mind. All too often sleep is the first thing that is sacrificed to try and meet the crazy demands we place on ourselves each day. Some people have themselves convinced that they are just fine, that they can function to their best of their ability with little to no sleep. Sure, maybe they can function, but to the best of their ability? No. Sleep deprivation affects your physical performance, thought process, emotional stability, creative output, and cognitive functioning. Well, how do you know if you need more sleep?

Here are 7 signs you are not getting enough shuteye:

1. You are beyond hungry

If you are hungryall day and just can't seem to get enough to eat, you may be missing out on enough sleep. Of course, this is outside of hunger that comes along with missing meals or working out. According to The Huffington Post, research shows that not getting enough sleep raises levels of the hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin is responsible for triggering hunger.

2. Waterworks

You just can't stop tearing up or getting weepy. The silliest things, like a cheesy commercial, make you cry. A lack of sleep can have your emotions on the fritz. USA Today reports that sleep-deprived brains are 60% more reactive to negative and disturbing images.

"It's almost as though, without sleep, the brain had reverted back to more primitive patterns of activity, in that it was unable to put emotional experiences into context and produce controlled, appropriate responses," said Matthew Walker, senior author of the 2007 sleep study.

3. You cannot focus or remember things

According to WebMD, reduced sleep has been connected to many cognitive functions, to include loss of memory, difficulty focusing, lower alertness and concentration, learning trouble and confusion. Can't find your keys to save your life? Wait…what was I just saying? Yeah, better get some more sleep.

4. Can't lose that cold

In a study reported by the LA Times, people who sleep fewer than seven hours a night have almost three times the risk of catching a cold than people who sleep for at least eight hours. So, if you keep getting sick, or can't get rid of the cold you have, take a look at your sleep schedule.

5. Clumsiness

You can't make it out of your bedroom without knocking things over or banging into the doorframe. You spill your coffee while pouring it and drop your keys repeatedly. According to Clete Kushida, M.D., Ph.D., director of Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research, "sleepy people seem to have slower and less precise motor skills." Reflexes are dulled and depth perception may be off. Reaction time can be slow and your ability to focus may be affected. In other words, you're at least a half a step behind.

6. Crickets in the bedroom

Nothing's happening between the sheets. Either you or your partner can't get in the mood for some passionate play. Well, one, or both of you, may not be getting enough sleep. According to WebMD, not getting enough sleep can decrease your sex drive and elevate cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Stress can put a halt to any attempted intimacy.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, take a look at your sleep schedule. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you getting enough quality sleep? A good night's rest is the foundation on which you build a good day. Lighten your load, cut back on your schedule and ease up on making unattainable daily goals…just don't sacrifice good sleep.