Sleep deprivation can greatly affect your body, more than one would think. A lack of sleep can cause many problems within your bodily organs, plus it can greatly affect on your social life as well. Sleep deprivation is very dangerous, and over twenty-five percent of Americans are suffering from sleep deprivation or worse. This is a major concern due to the risks and effects of sleep deprivation.
One of the main, obvious effects is fatigue and weariness throughout the day. Your body did not get the chance to recharge at night, so it is very weak and cannot function as well as it normally does. Allowing your body to recharge is very important to be the most productive while you are awake. In most studies, over a period of time the person with adequate sleep is more productive than the person working more, but lacking sleep. It is better to be completely alert and recharge and manage your time wisely, than to lose sleep to gain more time.
Sleep deprivation has a major affect on your brain and the chemicals that help it function correctly. If you do not get adequate sleep, than the chemicals in your brain will become unbalanced, causing you to not be able to think clearly and you are more apt to making mistakes and you have slower reflexes. It is said that driving with major sleep deprivation is just as bad as driving while impaired. One hundred thousand of accidents are caused a year due to sleep deprivation, while drinking and driving was 15,387 in 2007.
Another major downfall with sleep deprivation that will cause you to be less productive is that a lack of sleep will affect your immune system as well. If your body is not allowed to recharge at night, then your immune system will weaken. With your immune system weak, you will not be able fight off illnesses, causing you to be sick more frequently and have a longer recovery time.
Sleep deprivation can also make you depressed. If you are not able to handle your emotions correctly, then you will not be able to understand and solve problems or be happy with life. With a lack of sleep you will not be able to enjoy activities or be your normal self, and this may cause you to come depressed.
On a lesser level than depression, sleep deprivation could just cause a significant change in your mood. You will be more irritable because you will not have the patience to handle very much stress on little sleep. You will not be able to think clearly or make good judgment calls. Your social life may no longer be enjoyable, or at least others will not enjoy your company as much.
As you can see, sleep is a very important part of our life. It is very important to get the right amount of sleep you need each night and sleep on a regular schedule. Sleep allows you to make clear, rational decisions in life and with your emotions. In order to function we need sleep, so never choose anything over your sleep. It is just not worth it.
Jorge Reis is the author of
How to prevent sleep deprivation and
How to avoid sleep disorders.
