The Ugly Truth About Sleep Deprivation!

The human body needs sufficient sleep in order to function properly. Most people require a minimum of eight hours of sleep to be completely rested.While some people can function on as little as four or five hours of sleep a night, their bodies and minds will eventually feel the effects of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can cause various mental and physical side effects. Over time, chronic sleep loss can have an adverse effect on a person's overall heath.

Some famous people throughout the world history were known to naturally survive on very little sleep and not being significantly affected by it like Napoleon or Margaret Thatcher. Unfortunately, most of us can dramatically suffer from side effects of sleep deprivation.

• Here’s a listing of top 10 side effects of sleep deprivation:

1. Impaired alertness and productivity as a result of sleep deprivation can affect our daily activities making us more prone to accidents, fatal mistakes and poor quality of life.

2. Cases of blurred vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness, headaches and general irritability were reported in some people suffering from sleep deprivation.

3. Weight gain is one of the unfortunate side effects of sleep deprivation. People who are not getting enough sleep every night tend to develop unhealthy food cravings in search to find comfort to compensate for the tiredness.

4. Weakened immune system can result from your inability to get proper sleep and make you prone to get sick more often as your body’s defense mechanisms are down.Which can also make a person more susceptible to colds, flu, infection and other illnesses.


5. People who continually have trouble sleeping are at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and, in some cases, a stroke.

6. In severe cases of sleeplessness, sleep deprivation depression can emerge as a result of little sleep making it even more difficult to fall and stay asleep greatly complicating the problem.

7. Mental health problems can be triggered by sleep deprivation and need to be carefully evaluated by a psychiatrist.

8. Hallucinations are also common if a person is unable to sleep for a number of days at a time.

9. Some of the serious side effects of sleep deprivation in children can manifest themselves in hyperactivity and even attention deficit disorder.A child that is bursting with energy beyond the bedtime hour is quite likely overly tired.

10. The last and the most serious of all side effects of sleep deprivation is a sleep deprived coma when some bodily functions are shut down as a defense mechanism against sleep deprivation.

• Mental Side Effects

Sleep deprivation can affect the ability to focus and concentrate. Mental confusion and memory loss may occur due to insufficient sleep.

• Appearance

Insufficient sleep can leave you looking older and tired. Dark circles and bags form under the eyes giving you a haggard appearance.

• Behavior

Sleep deprivation can impair the brain's ability to learn. People who do not get sufficient sleep may stutter, have difficulty making decisions and may not be able to multitask with any level of efficiency. Thought patterns can become repetitive and creativity declines.

• Warning

There are many dangers of sleep deprivation but one of the most common is accidents. Sleep deprived people are prone to injuries and more likely to be involved in a car accident. Lack of sleep affects hand/eye coordination, motor skills and slows reaction time.

• Prevention/Solution

Adequate sleep is necessary for the body and mind to regenerate. Going to sleep an hour earlier each night or taking a power nap during the day can help you to get the rest that you need. Children should have regular bed and nap times. Maintain your health and increase your productivity by getting the sleep you need.
Making your sleep a priority among your busy life activities and learning more about natural sleep remedies will help you relax and fall asleep faster.


If you suspect you are experiencing severe side effects of sleep deprivation it’s important for you to see your physician to help you find and take care of the root causes of sleep deprivation.

Have a nice day!