Sleep is one of the most underrated and underutilized health and fitness tools.

Poor sleep or lack of overall sleep time can have major negative implications in the short and long terms.

Here are 5 reasons you should really want to fix your poor sleeping habits and start prioritizing a good nights sleep EVERY night...

1. Higher risks of diabetes.

A lack of sleep affects your body's release of insulin, a blood-sugar lowering hormone. People who don't get enough sleep have higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

2. Higher risk of Heart Disease.

Sleep deprivation may lead to increased blood pressure and higher levels of chemicals linked to inflammation, both of which play roles in heart disease.

3. Weight Gain.

With sleep deprivation, the chemicals that signal to your brain that you are full are off balance. As a result, you're more likely to overindulge even when you've had enough to eat.

4. Weakened Immunity.

Too little sleep weakens your immune system's defenses against viruses like those that cause the common cold and flu. You're more likely to get sick when you're exposed to these germs.

5. Accidents.

Being drowsy during the day can increase your risk for car accidents and injuries from other causes.