Doctor explains why one type of sleep is the most dangerous for your body

Sleeping always feels like a reward at the end of a long day but some folks find it easier than others.

While getting into a warm cosy bed in the winter is rarely not an enjoyable experience, it can take plenty of people a long time to fall asleep, particularly if you're spending your time doomscrolling on social media right before shutting your eyes.

Although some have mastered a military method that can get you to sleep in minutes, others spend a long time trying to get themselves into the land of nod, but their problems don't necessarily end once they finally do drift off.

While you wouldn't expect to be in any real danger while you sleep - unless you're a serial sleepwalker or you admit to cheating on your partner in your dreams - there is a specific type of sleep which can be extremely dangerous.

Stop looking at your phone and go to sleep (Getty Stock)

Internet personality Doctor Myro explained why micro sleep can be the most dangerous of all, with a TikTok video on his channel.

He says: "Micro sleep is wild and scary because it is your brain involuntarily blacking out for a fraction of a second up to 30 seconds.

"Your eyes might stay open, but your brain is not processing anything. It's a complete reboot that happens after you don't sleep for about 24 hours. It's estimated to be responsible for about 100,000 car crashes every year, especially in healthcare workers who, like me, pretty often do 24-hour shifts."

The last thing you need when you're driving is to black out momentarily, as that's likely to lead to an accident, which is perhaps why drivers are constantly reminded to take a break and be well-rested before going on any long journeys.

In fact, going a significant period without sleep can be equivalent to being drunk while driving.

The doctor adds: "And the really shocking fact is, in addition to micro sleep, after 24 hours of sleep deprivation, you are as impaired as a drunk driver. That's right. Not sleeping for 24 hours is equivalent to having blood alcohol level equivalent to driving drunk.

"And imagine having to do surgery in this kind of state on an emergency in the middle of the night? That's what healthcare workers have to do."

So, that's why it's so important to get a good night's sleep every night, no matter what TV show you might be tempted to binge all night.

Studies have previously revealed that getting more than 4.5 hours each night is vital to ensure that you don't suffer cognitive decline. But most of us would hope for at least seven, which doesn't include those afternoon naps when it gets dark at 4pm.

Meanwhile, there's also a 333 rule which means you might need to see a professional if you're suffering in your attempts to get to sleep.