Sleep Deprivation
By Seth Randell
What is sleep deprivation?
What can sleep deprivation cause?
Causes accidents
Studies show that sleep loss and poor-quality sleep also lead to accidents and injuries on the job. In one study, workers who complained about excessive daytime sleepiness had significantly more work accidents, particularly repeated work accidents. They also had more sick days per accident.
Sleep Loss Dumbs You Down
Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Serious Health Problems
Sleep disorders and chronic sleep loss can put you at risk for:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
According to some estimates, 90% of people with insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by trouble falling and staying asleep, also have another health condition.
Can lead to depression
Sleepiness Makes You Forgetful
In 2009, American and French researchers determined that brain events called “sharp wave ripples” are responsible for consolidating memory. The ripples also transfer learned information from the hippocampus to the neocortex of the brain, where long-term memories are stored. Sharp wave ripples occur mostly during the deepest levels of sleep.
How can we stop sleep depression?
In some cases, sleep problems are related to preventable health conditions, such as obesity. Addressing such conditions may help prevent sleep problems. For example, experts think that weight loss may help overweight people who have obstructive sleep apnea. Other times, lifestyle modifications may be needed to prevent a sleep disorder from developing. For example, exercising and maintaining a healthy diet can help ward off sleep problems.Other sleep problems can be avoided by practicing good sleep habits, called sleep hygiene. Below are some suggestions for better sleep: