Chronic Sleep Deprivation

Most people lack awareness about chronic sleep deprivation, lack of sleep or sleep deprivation is commonly mistaken as an ordinary condition that can be easily treated by antidepressants and other medications or herbal teas that promote wellness. If this occurs too frequently, then there must be a deeper reason behind why you are experiencing this situation. Studies show that 1/3 or approximately 40 million of Americans are suffering from sleep deprivation and most of them are not even aware that they are already experiencing sleep deprivation. When things get worse, which probably means 3 -5 days without sleep, that’s the only time they realize there is something seriously wrong.

People who are too busy, stressed and surrounded by noisy environment usually experience chronic sleep deprivation. The usual cause of sleep deprivation is stress, admit it or not, some trade sleep for play, work, social life and others, health problems like pain, fever, flu and cough also intrudes sleep. People address this as “just stressed because of work” or “its normal” the lack of awareness leaves them clueless and undiagnosed for years.

A Closer Look at Chronic Sleep Deprivation Symptoms

The most common question asked about sleep deprivation is “how will I know if I am suffering from sleep deprivation?” sleep deprivation symptoms are visible and can be easily detected. Mind you, sleep deprivation symptoms are disturbing hence cannot be ignored. Here are a few;

• Puffy eye bags
• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Poor concentration
• Clumsiness

Sleep deprivation can also affect an individual’s metabolism, which visibly leads to weight gain or weight loss.

What Effects Can Happen if Chronic Sleep Deprivation is Neglected?

Sleep deprivation effects are disturbing and alarming if neglected, if a person is experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is highly advised to consult a doctor. Here’s a closer look at the possible consequences of chronic sleep deprivation: Decrease in alertness, in need of daytime naps, taking too much caffeine to boost energy, frequent drowsiness and weak immune system, the body has no resistance to bacteria which results to being unhealthy and always sick. If neglected and untreated it can lead to worse complications that are much harder to treat like cardiovascular disease, mental impairment, obesity and prone to accidents. A great number of accidents are caused by chronic sleep deprivation, every year it is estimated that 100,000 automobile crashes, over 70,000 are injured and approximately 1,500 fatalities this is according to NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are in one way or another caused by loss of sleep.

Obviously, sleep deprivation effects are not good – prevent this from happening and do something about it. Consulting a doctor, particularly those who specialize and have wide knowledge in this field can help treat this condition. If taken for granted, expect to have poor quality of life, you are physically present but the mind and body is not functioning as it should. Some may just raise their eyebrows and say “it’s just a sleep loss, I can catch up anytime”, it’s not that simple. It may be just about sleeping but the body needs sleep more than you think, sleep helps regain strength, refresh the mind and prepare you for the next day. If you think you are suffering from chronic sleep deprivation, don’t waste time and consult a doctor near you.