First off, you’re more likely to get hurt. People trip more. They fall. They don’t pay attention to their hands in machinery.

And your immunity goes down, so that means you’re more likely to get sick. Your blood pressure also rises, which makes you vulnerable to cardiac diseases. Plus, you might pack on extra pounds.

Sounds scary, so let’s take a moment to focus on the good stuff shut-eye does for your bod.

While you’re asleep, your brain rids itself of waste, cells regenerate, muscle tears repair, and inflammation goes down.

Sleep also reduces stress. It makes our thyroid and our hormones and all of those things work better.

If you’re not sleeping enough, it’s likely for one of two reasons: You’re not carving out the time you need for it, or it’s tough to fall or stay asleep.

There are all kinds of reasons not to commit to sleeping enough. Unless you’re the parent of a newborn or dealing with some other demanding circumstance – as in, someone’s life depends on you being awake – you probably can find enough time to sleep. Seven to eight hours of continuous zzz’s should do it, though duration varies among people, according to the Mayo Clinic and health experts.

A great way to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep is to unplug, literally and figuratively. That means not being in front of a screen at least an hour before bed.

Instead do something introspective and quieting:

• Light a candle
• Read
• Pet your cat or dog

 And right before bed:

• Breathe slowly and deeply
• Listen to Marconi Union’s Weightless, soothing music to help you relax

Make sure your room is dark and neither too hot nor too cold (cooler temps tend to be better).

Physical activity earlier in the day will do you good, as will being outside, in part because natural light helps regulate your body clock. You’re looking for quality sleep, and both nudge you toward smooth snoozing.

If you still have trouble sleeping, melatonin can help, but you can’t take it forever. Long-term use has been linked to depression.

Finally, your bedroom should be all about … your bed. That means your taxes aren’t piled on your sheets.

It should be a sacred space that’s reserved for sleep time.