India, June 19 -- In a culture that glorifies hustle, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice. Staying up late to work, study or squeeze more out of the day can feel productive, and many wear their lack of sleep as a badge of honour.

But what if losing even a single hour of shut-eye is enough to affect your heart, impair your judgement, and alter how your body functions? Research suggests that sleep is far from a luxury - it's one of the most fundamental pillars of good health.

Dr Vijay Vendra Prakash, a general practitioner with the NHS who specialises in longevity medicine, is breaking down why consistently getting a full eight hours of sleep is one of the most important investments you can make in your health.

In an Instagram vi...