Simulation shows the terrifying effects lack of sleep can have on the body

If you're looking for a sign to sneak off for an early night, this simulation showing what impact a lack of sleep can have is definitely it.

While juggling work, a social life and everything else in between, a lot of people end up putting getting a good night's rest on the back burner.

Medical experts have long warned that burning the candle at both ends can wreak havoc on your health and drastically alter how your immune system responds.

Although some claim they can easily survive on as little as six hours of sleep, boffins have said this can 'age you by a decade' - so seriously, you really ought to get your head down.

But if those blunt facts still don't scare you into snoozing for the recommended seven or eight hours each night, this simulation might just do the trick.

Not getting enough kip can seriously bite you in the backside (Getty Stock Image)

The short clip, shared by YouTube channel VitalView 3D, outlines the terrifying impact that a prolonged lack of sleep can have on the human body.

Spoiler alert - it isn't pretty.

It shares some stark warnings about what effect a shortage of sleep can have on a person, which are accompanied by some unpleasant visuals to hammer the point home.

"After 24 hours without sleep, your reaction slows like a drunk driver," the video states. "After 36 hours, your brain struggles to focus. At 48 hours, you may start to hallucinate."

It then lists a myriad of problems which a scarce amount of slumber can cause in different areas of your body.

The clip continues: "Lack of sleep weakens your immune system. Without sleep, your brain can't clear toxins. Chronic sleep loss increases heart disease risk.

"Sleep loss disrupts appetite and hormones. Lack of sleep lowers testosterone and fertility. Without sleep, memory formation fails. Sleep deprivation accelerates ageing."

Although that might be a boatload of bleak information to take in, it's invaluable knowledge which could help you stop doing any more damage.

Experts at the Cleveland Clinic explain that sleep deprivation has 'negative effects in multiple ways throughout your body'.

The simulation shows how a lack of sleep can have a serious impact on your mental and physical health (Getty Stock Image)

It can impact your heart and circulatory systems, immune system, nervous system, brain, metabolic system and your mental health.

"The effects of sleep deprivation depend on why it happens and how long it lasts," according to the Cleveland Clinic.

"The longer a person has sleep deprivation, the greater - and more severe - the effects."

There's many reasons why you might not be getting enough shut eye, but the good news is, there are a few things you can try to remedy the issue.

Health experts suggest finding the source of what is disrupting your ability to sleep, changing your approach to sleeping and switching up your pre-bedtime routine.

If these methods fail, it's recommended that you speak to your GP for some advice on what other avenues you can explore.