Sleep 101 - Sleep Well - Problems - Snoring - More
What Is Sleep DeprivationIMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor. We all know that long-term sleep deprivation (lack of sleep) can cause major problems. Fewer people realise that studies have shown even losing a couple of hours a night on a regular basis can have serious effects. Since different people need different amounts of sleep, a night that is fine for one person can result in sleep deprivation for another. Don't assume that your partner is "lazy" because he or she needs more sleep than you! In our modern 24-7 society many people (not just students and new parents!) regularly walk around in a sleep deprived state. It's probably one of the commonest sleep disorders around today. Unfortunately the potentially serious problems that result from the effects are rarely recognised or taken seriously.
What Are The Effects of Sleep Deprivation?Problem Caused by Sleep Deprivation - Signs & SymptomsIf you're regularly not getting enough sleep then you could be setting yourself up for problems.Obviously sleep deprivation leaves us "feeling tired" and suffering from possibly chronic fatigue. This results in irritability and lack of concentration. That might not sound very serious but those two symptoms can result in poor job performance, unnecessary arguments with loved ones and even serious accidents. Lack of sleep can cause the body to react with a "micro-sleep", where we fall asleep quickly for a period of just a couple of seconds. A couple of seconds might not sound much, and nodding off briefly during a meeting might not be much of a worry. But what about dropping the scalding hot coffee pot? Or dropping off whilst driving? As well as the behavioural effects of sleep deprivation there are direct physical consequences. In the longer term sleep deprivation results in a depressed immune system, leaving us prone to other diseases. In particular research by the University of Chicago Medical Center links slep deprivation with impaired insulin and sugar regulation, possibly leading to diabetes. There are also reports that sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity by reducing the production of leptin, a hormone that causes you to feel full and stop eating.
DrivingSleep deprivation can be lethal if driving - nodding off at the wheel is extremely dangerous. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that drowsy driving causes over 100,000 crashes a year - and some 1550 fatalities. To help avoid this you can buy products such as the Nap Zapper. The Nap Zapper monitors your head and sounds an alarm if it nods forwards.Such devices should not be used as an excuse for driving when tired. Even if you don't actually nod off, sleep deprivation can severely impare reaction times. If you're tired, don't drive.
Beneficial Effects of Sleep DeprivationI do not recommend deliberate sleep deprevation without consulting your doctor and getting his or her express agreement.
Dealing With DepressionSome psychiatrists believe that Total Sleep Deprivation (TSD) or Partial Sleep Deprivation (PSD) - if administered and monitored by medical professionals - can assist in treating depression (both unipolar and bipolar) and possibly even Parkinson's disease.Unfortunately these results seem to be short-lived. The body needs sleep and after the inevitable recovery sleep the beneficial effects of TSD or PSD are usually eliminated.
Sleep Deprivation CureThere is no "cure" for sleep deprivation.In the short term you can "keep yourself going" with caffeine, etc. However this should never be seen as a long term strategy. You need enough sleep. Make sure you get it, even if means making significant changes to your lifestyle.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor. External Links: Here Be Dreams has no responsibility for content on these sites All original material Copyright © Trevor Mendham 2003-2008. See home page for contact details. This is not a medical site. Nothing on this site constitutes personal advice. Please read the site terms of use. |