Inadequate sleep, or sleep deprivation, poses numerous health risks. Regularly obtaining less than 7 hours of sleep is associated with adverse health consequences, including increased mortality, cerebrovascular and cardiac disease, obesity, diabetes, and neurologic manifestations.
This article focuses on the latter.
The neurologic effects of sleep deprivation may include decreased memory, judgment, and decision-making. Inadequate sleep also leads to headaches, irritability, and “brain fog,” or difficulty with concentration and focus. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of seizures, stroke, and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. When severe, it can lead to delirium, psychosis, and even suicidal behavior.
Sleep deprivation leading to neurologic problems may result from major short-term or milder, longer-term sleep deficits. Chronic sleep duration of less than 7 hours per night decreases executive function – working memory, emotional self-regulation, problem-solving and planning, and time management are examples. Chronically sleep-deprived individuals may be unaware of their increasing cognitive deficits and decline in performance. Less than 6 hours of sleep for 14 days or more causes cognitive dysfunction equivalent to 2 consecutive nights without sleep. Deficits in the pre-frontal area of the brain occur, affecting working memory and attention. Failure to respond to stimuli (omission) and responses without stimuli (commission) occur.
Sleep deprivation and alcohol intoxication produce similar effects on the brain.
Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of depression and stress and anxiety disorders.
In adolescents, sleep deprivation is linked to (1) poor academic performance; (2) increased irritability, anxiety, loneliness, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and depression; (3) addiction behavior, including the use of illicit drugs, nicotine, and marijuana, cigarette smoking, and drinking alcohol; and (4) aggressive behaviors, driving while intoxicated, suicidal ideation, and having unprotected sex.
Sleep is important in clearing metabolites and other “junk” in the brain – this is a central aspect of “restorative” sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to the accumulation of toxins and tau and β-amyloid proteins that are associated with dementia. It is also associated with an increased risk of damage from stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases, and multiple sclerosis.
If we want to enjoy optimal health, we need to prioritize sleep!
Note: Although I am a physician, the content in this article is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness or disease in the reader – it is for educational purposes only.
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