It may seem harmless: staying up a little too late, not getting enough rest, or simply not sleeping well. However, the side effects of acute and chronic sleep deprivation can be diverse and profound.
Sleep deprivation occurs when we do not get the sleep that we need. Since everyone's basic sleep needs may vary, the threshold for becoming sleep deprived is also different. For example, if your body needs 9 hours of sleep each night, you will become sleep deprived when you only get 8 hours of sleep. Therefore, the effects of sleep deprivation can sneak up on you.
There are numerous symptoms of sleep deprivation aside from simply feeling sleepy. When we don't sleep enough, it affects our ability to think and process information. We may have trouble with our concentration, make mistakes, and have accidents. Our job performance may suffer and we are more likely to be involved in car accidents. Extreme sleep deprivation may lead to visual hallucinations and, in rare circumstances, even death. The side effects of sleep deprivation are not to be belittled.
Fortunately, the treatment of sleep deprivation can be effective. If we are afflicted with a sleep disorder such as insomnia or sleep apnea, addressing this underlying condition may be the key to us getting the sleep that we need. For many of us, it is simply a matter of allowing ourselves enough time in bed to adequately rest.
Read More About Sleep Deprivation:
- What Are the Side Effects of Sleep Deprivation?
- The Symptoms of Not Sleeping Enough
- Learn About the Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation
- Can Sleep Deprivation Cause Your Death?
- Learn About Sleep Deprivation and Obesity
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