Sleep deprivation: what is it?
Lack of sleep is referred to as sleep deprivation. One or a few nights may be affected, or it may be a persistent problem that last for weeks or even months. In addition to being a major symptom of some medical disorders, sleep deprivation can occur for a variety of benign reasons.
Everyone requires sleep, and depending on their age, most people require roughly the same amount. Age also affects that amount. Though these exceptions are uncommon, some people require more sleep than others in order to feel fully rested. You should consult a healthcare professional if your sleep patterns alter, whether gradually or suddenly.
Age-specific average daily sleep requirements are:
- 14 to 17 hours for newborns (up to 3 months old).
- Youngsters (4–12 months): 12–16 hours, including naps.
- Ten to fourteen hours, including naps, for young children (ages one to five).
- Children in school (6–12 years old): 9–12 hours.
- Teens: 8 to 10 hours (ages 13 to 18).
- 7 to 9 hours for adults (18 years and up).
What is the prevalence of this condition?
Lack of sleep is quite prevalent. According to experts, between 50 million and 70 million adults in the United States at any given moment satisfy the medical requirements for sleep deprivation. At some point in their lives, almost everyone suffers from sleep deprivation. For some, it’s only a bigger or more persistent problem, or it occurs for a more grave cause.
Affected Systems
Lack of sleep has detrimental impacts on your health in a number of ways. The following bodily systems, organs, and functions may be impacted by those:
Heart and circulatory systems: Lack of sleep can harm your heart and circulatory system over time. Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia, or elevated cholesterol.
Metabolic systems: Individuals who experience long-term sleep loss are significantly more likely to acquire Type 2 diabetes.
Immune system: Insufficient sleep impairs the effectiveness of your body’s natural defenses against illnesses.
Nervous system: People who don’t get enough sleep often have higher pain sensitivity, which can indicate that they experience pain more readily, more intensely, or both.
Lack of sleep has detrimental consequences on brain function. Although the exact function of sleep in the brain is unknown, doctors do know that it plays a crucial role in memory and learning. Additionally, there is data that suggests sleep deprivation may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental health: Lack of sleep has a detrimental impact on your mental health as well, making it more difficult to control and absorb your emotions. Anxiety and depression symptoms are more common in people who don’t get enough sleep.
