Sleep deprivation is defined as a condition that occurs if you don’t get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). possible causes of sleep deprivation are:
1. Stress
2. Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Bipolar disorder
5. Schizophrenia
6. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
7. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
8. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
With all these causes, impaired sleep can effect human health adversely. There are many effects of sleep deprivation, both physical and mental. The physical effects can include:
Reduced ability to fight infection
The body’s ability to fight infection is reduced when you don’t get enough sleep. This is because sleep deprivation lowers the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that help the body fight infection by attacking foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.
Increased risk of obesity
Sleep deprivation is linked to an increased risk of obesity. This is because sleep deprivation disrupts the hormones that regulate hunger, leading to an increase in appetite.
Sleep deprivation also increases the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to weight gain.
Increased blood pressure
Sleep deprivation can increase blood pressure by causing your body to produce more of the stress hormone adrenaline. this makes your arteries constrict, which raises blood pressure.
Decreased muscle mass
Sleep deprivation can lead to a decrease in muscle mass. This is because sleep deprivation decreases the production of human growth hormone (HGH). HGH helps build and repair muscle tissue.
Increased risk of accidents
In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can also increase your risk of developing mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
where there are many more physiological effects of sleep deprivation, the most damage section is the mental health of a person.
Effects on mental health
The mental effects of sleep deprivation can include:
Impaired judgment
Sleep deprivation impairs your judgment and decision-making ability. This is because sleep deprivation reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making.
Impaired memory
Sleep deprivation impairs your ability to form new memories and recall old ones. This is because sleep deprivation reduces activity in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory. Sleep deprivation can cause memory loss due to the fact that it disrupts the sleep cycle. This disruption prevents the consolidation of memories, which is essential for long-term memory.
Anxiety
Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety by causing the body to produce more of the stress hormone cortisol. This can cause feelings of anxiety and panic.
Depression
Sleep deprivation is linked to an increased risk of depression. This is because sleep deprivation disrupts the hormones that regulate mood, leading to a decrease in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a hormone that plays a role in mood regulation.
Irritability
Sleep deprivation can cause irritability due to the fact that it decreases levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is responsible for regulating mood and emotion.
Poor concentration
Sleep deprivation can cause poor concentration due to the fact that it decreases levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is responsible for regulating alertness and attention.
Sleep deprivation can have many negative effects on the human body, both physical and mental. It is important to get enough sleep in order to maintain good health. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to see a doctor in order to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Consult a Doctor
If you think you may be suffering from sleep deprivation, it is important to consult a doctor. This is because sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. You can consult Dr Aneel Kumar Keswani, or the Best Psychiatrist in Lahore through oladoc.
