Sleep Deprivation: Symptoms, Causes, and Effects

Viemina
2 min readDec 4, 2022

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What Are Sleep Deprivation?

Sleep deprivation is a term that applies to a state of being caused by an inadequate amount or quality of sleep, including voluntary and involuntary wakefulness, as well as circadian rhythm disturbances.

Sleep deprivation is a serious condition that can have long-term health effects. When a person does not get enough sleep, their body is unable to function properly. This can lead to physical and mental fatigue, impair focus and concentration, and lead to an increased risk of illnesses such as depression, heart disease, and diabetes. Long-term sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries, making it even more important for people to make sure they are getting enough sleep.

Sleeping is necessary for human survival, like eating, drinking, and breathing. It is also essential for good health and total well-being at all stages of life.

The Relation Between Depression and sleep deprivation :

What Is Depression?

Depression is classified as a mood disorder that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. It can be very disabling, making it difficult to carry out even the simplest of tasks. Symptoms may include difficulty sleeping, eating changes, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness. It can also manifest itself in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and general body aches.

Related:Depression :Types & Symptoms

The Correlation between Depression and Lack of Sleep:

Not having enough sleep can’t cause depression on its own, but it can make it worse. Sleep issues caused by medical issues, a sleep disorder, or personal problems can make depression even worse. And if you can’t sleep for a long time, it’s a sign that someone might be depressed.

Research has shown that sleep is immensely beneficial for the cultivation of emotional and mental resilience. When deprived of sleep, individuals are more vulnerable to experiencing negative emotions and thinking.

For example, those who experience insomnia are far more likely to be afflicted with depression, to the extent of 10 times more likely, and 17 times more likely to suffer from anxiety. The lack of sleep increases the probability of someone being affected by a mental health disorder.

The symptoms of sleep deprivation?

  • Have difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
  • Experience fluctuations in mood.
  • Increased appetite.
  • Lack of motivation.
  • Feel sluggish or tired in the afternoon.
  • Unable to remain conscious during lectures, conferences, warm rooms, while driving or traveling, or after a large meal.
  • Have had changes in their emotional state, including depression, anxiousness, pressure, suspiciousness, and suicidal inclinations
  • Daytime sleepiness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irritability.
  • Trouble thinking, focusing, and remembering.
  • Decreased responsiveness.
  • Headaches.
  • Less physical strength.
  • Lower resistance to infection.

The Causes of sleep deprivation…Read More

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