Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation
We spend much of our lives sleeping but how much do we now about the process and what happens when we do not get enough sleep? Approximately 50 - 70 million Americans are reportedly affected by sleep deprivation or other sleep related disorders. Being sleepy is just like being drunk! If you lose 2 hours of sleep, you can impair your performance equalling .05 blood-alcohol level. A blood alcohol content of .08 percent is the blood alcohol limit for drunk driving in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. Sleeping depravation produces higher levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone and fewer brain cells are produced. The record for the longest period without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon.

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Sleep Deprivation - What is Sleep?
Sleeping is a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended and is attended by a relaxation of the muscles, and the absence of voluntary activity for any rational objects or purpose. During the sleeping process the pulse is slower, the respiratory movements fewer in number but more profound, and there is less blood in the cerebral vessels. So that's what happens when we are sleeping so what are the effects when we don't sleep? This is commonly called Sleep deprivation.

What is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is a sleeping disorder characterized by having too little sleep which can be either chronic or acute. Chronic sleep deprivation is long-lasting and recurrent whereas Acute deprivation is occurs over a relatively short period of time.

Causes of Sleep Deprivation
The common causes of sleep deprivation are as follows::

• Stress and anxiety

• Working night shifts

• Traveling through multiple time zones

• Sleep disorders like insomnia

• Depression

• Menopause

• Interrogation and torture

Sleep Deprivation Symptoms
Understanding what sleep deprivation symptoms are and how to spot them is important to your well-being and health. Sleeping Deprivation Symptoms are as follows:

• Drowsiness

• Daytime fatigue

• Reduction in memory

• Reduced mental performance

• Reduced control

• Reduced awareness

• Mood Changes

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Negativity

• Increase in common illnesses e.g. colds or flu - feeling generally 'run down'

• Low sex drive

• Low energy levels

• Weight gain

Psychological Effects of Sleep Deprivation
The results of a 2001 study conducted by Chicago Medical Institute suggested that sleep deprivation may be linked to  mental illnesses including psychosis and bipolar disorder. Other Psychological Effects of Sleep Deprivation include:

• Depression

• Hallucinations

• Impatience

• Irritability

• Lack of concentration

• Slow reaction times

• Confusion

• Memory loss

• Daytime fatigue

Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation
The results of a 2001 study conducted by Chicago Medical Institute suggested that sleep deprivation may be linked to more serious diseases and health problems, such as heart disease. and mental illnesses including psychosis and bipolar disorder. Other Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation include:

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Shaking or Tremors

• Headaches

• Aching muscles

• Blurred vision

• Weak immune system

• Dark Circles or Bags under the eyes

• Hernia

• Hyperactivity

• Nausea

• Slurred speech

• Weight loss/gain

• Constant yawning

Sleep Deprivation Consequences
What are the consequences of Sleep Deprivation? If people suffer from sleep deprivation this leads to:

• Increased work-related errors

• Increased sick leave

• Increased accidents

• Increased numbers of arguments with partners