Sleep deprivation is not only disruptive to our lives, but can be downright dangerous. Without the rejuvenation that comes from a good night's sleep, the body is unable to restore vital processes and organs necessary for us to function optimally during the day. This not only has serious consequences for the state of our health, but may lead to accidents as our critical thinking and motor skills are affected
by this
sleep disorder.
Whether pulling an all-nighter for an exam, working late at the office, or caring for a young child or sick family member, there are times when we just can't get a full night of quality,
natural sleep. Anytime we have not obtained an adequate amount of sleep, we may experience some symptoms of sleep deprivation. Of course, the longer the disruption in our sleep pattern continues, the worse those symptoms become until we cannot cope or function properly in our lives.
An inadequate number of
sleep hours can greatly affect our quality of life. We may not feel like waking up in the morning, even when we have to, and go through our days feeling sleepy and groggy. We might
fall asleep while reading, watching
TV, at school or work, or even while driving. We are less capable of experiencing joy and become unhappy. Not feeling like doing much, we may use our tiredness as an excuse not to fully participate in life. We get little done and find it necessary to take frequent naps. Under these circumstances, it is difficult to reach our full human potential.
Furthermore,
insomnia
and lack of sleep can lead to impairment of both our cognitive and motor skills,
since the many
sleep benefits are being withheld. Studies have shown that sleep deprived individuals exhibited similar driving mistakes as drunk drivers. Our reaction time slows and we may be clumsy. We are less alert and may find our sight affected as well. We experience poor physical performance in sports, and poor mental performance on the job.
Sleep science
has shown that this also reduces our ability
to think clearly or concentrate, and we make errors in judgment and take unnecessary risks. We find it difficult to make decisions, our learning ability may be hampered and we may be forgetful.
Sleep
disorders may adversely affect our relationships, as well. Not being able to think clearly, we are also unable to communicate clearly. Misunderstandings may arise and we unfortunately have a shorter temper than normal. Others may dislike our company as we are grouchy, emotional, or moody.
Deprived of REM
sleep, we feel disconnected from those around us. If our job performance is hampered, we may find our work relationships suffer, too.
Most detrimental, however, are the effects sleep deprivation has on our health. Without
better sleep, stored stress is not released from our muscles, and we may experience muscle aches, cramps and tears, or even hand tremors. With suppression of our immune systems, we become more susceptible to illness. We also experience higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Studies have documented links between sleep deprivation and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes,
and sleep apnea
(a life-threatening condition). If we choose to self-medicate with unhealthy caffeinated or sugary substances,
or risky prescription
sleep
aids, we wreck further havoc on our body. Combined with a disinclination for proper self-care or exercise, we may find ourselves heading towards obesity.
Because of these and many other deleterious effects of sleep deprivation on our health and our lives in general, it is crucial to discover the reasons behind our lack of sleep. It may be as simple as a lifestyle issue. Or it may be as serious as a sleep disorder – a chronic
inability to
sleep well due to an underlying physical condition. Either way, finding a solution to sleep deprivation is vital to feeling alert and refreshed during the day and having the optimal mental, physical and energetic capacity to participate fully in life and be the best you can be.
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