How Lack of Sleep Affects the Brain
If you suffer from insomnia or a chronic sleep disorder, whether caused by stress or some other medical condition, you are probably not getting enough restorative sleep. Over time, lack of sleep adversely affects the brain and can lead to myriad health problems of varying severity. Research has shown that these brain changes are evident on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of sleep-deprived people.
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The Temporal Lobe
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Regular and adequate sleep is needed to rest all parts of the body so that they can function at full capacity during waking hours. After prolonged periods of sleeplessness, the brain's neurons may begin to function improperly -- which can affect both your mental abilities and your behavior. Several studies have shown that the temporal lobe of the brain (the area responsible for language) is inactive in people who are sleep-deprived. This inactivity manifests as slurring of speech and monotone voice. Research has also shown that sleep-deprived people have difficulty finding creative words and conjuring ideas.
The Prefrontal Cortex
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Surprisingly, the prefrontal cortex area of the brain is more active when you are feeling sleepy than when you are awake and alert. The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain that is responsible for complex cognitive behaviors, such as decision making, adept social behavior, and expression of personality. In fact, the sleepier someone is, the more active this area of the brain becomes.
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The Parietal Lobes
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The parietal lobes -- the area of the brain responsible for thinking about and solving mathematical problems -- also shows considerably more activity in sleep-deprived people than in rested ones. This finding shows that patterns of brain activity change but do not necessarily decrease with sleep deprivation. The trend suggests that sleep deprivation may reduce function in the verbal learning areas of the brain, but the brain will rely on other areas as a back-up.
Sleep Deprivation
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Someone who has not had an adequate amount to sleep will find that their mind is sluggish, and they may not be able to think of adequate words to describe what they want to say. They will also notice memory and concentration problems because of the shift in patterns of brain activity. If you are sleepy, your brain will be working harder but accomplishing less.
Other Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation
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Being able to recognize the symptoms of sleep deprivation is vital to good health because lack of sleep can affect you more than you may realize. One of the initial signs is tiredness and fatigue during the daytime. Other warning signals include low concentration, anxiety, depression, impaired motor skills, and memory problems.
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