A survey by the Better Sleep Council found that 48 percent of Americans do not get enough sleep, and less than half of them took action to address sleep deprivation.
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Survey respondents, when asked about the effects of insufficient sleep, reported short-term symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and puffy eyes. However, the consequences of too many sleepless nights can be far more severe and have longer-lasting repercussions than what some might suspect.
The following are some of the dangerous side effects of sleep deprivation:
Microsleep
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insufficient sleep is linked to occupational and road accidents and injuries. When a person is sleep-deprived, he or she is prone to microsleep, in which he or she experiences a brief lapse of consciousness. A person who has a microsleep episode might not be aware of it, believing to only have lost focus for a moment or so.
Microsleep is extremely dangerous and has been linked to numerous accidents and catastrophes, such as the Chernobyl disaster, the Challenger space shuttle explosion, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
In addition, the National Department of Transportation reports that drowsy driving is responsible for 100,000 car crashes annually.
Cognitive impairment
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Sleep deprivation causes lowered alertness, impaired memory, slowed reaction time, and decreased focus. People who lack sleep often make poor judgments and have difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making tasks. Sleep deprivation can also hamper learning, because drowsiness makes it difficult to focus or engage in complex thought.
Poor overall physical and mental health
Sleep deprivation, if left untreated, can cause numerous health problems such as:
Impaired immune system
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Elevated blood pressure
Obesity
Kidney disease
Depression and anxiety
Impaired fertility
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The average adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep per day. Observing proper sleep hygiene, such as avoiding intake of stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, can help promote good sleep habits. However, if sleep deprivation becomes chronic, or if daily tasks become difficult to complete due to fatigue and inability to focus, consulting a doctor is recommended.
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Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon 