The hidden dangers of going without
If you aren’t getting enough sleep, it’s important to understand the effects it may have on you. Intense sleep deprivation — a full 24 hours without sleep — can result in symptoms similar to intoxication. Sleep deprivation impairs your judgment, and you may struggle to make decisions or stay alert.
More common, however, is chronic, poor sleep quality. Several consecutive nights of bad sleep due to a new baby, a snoring partner or a sleep disorder like sleep apnea can also result in this “intoxicated” experience.
Impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function:
Sleep should be refreshing and restorative, and when it isn’t, you can struggle with mental changes. When you are lacking in sleep, it can affect various parts of the brain. This can result in:
- Difficulty staying on task
- Lack of ability to focus in monotonous situations or on repetitive tasks
- Falling asleep in school or during meetings at work
- Difficulty learning
- Mood changes like anxiety, depression or paranoia
- Decreased alertness while driving or operating dangerous machines
Impact of sleep deprivation on the body:
The verdict isn’t completely in on how a lack of sleep affects the body. There is, however, research showing a relationship between poor sleep and a higher risk of:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- A weakened immune system
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Weight gain
In the end, keeping a regular schedule and avoiding certain habits can go a long way toward improving sleep and decreasing your risk of health problems. If this doesn’t work and the problem lingers, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.