The Effects of Prolonged Lack of Sleep
Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea can keep you from maintaining healthy sleeping patterns. As a result, your body will suffer from lack of sleep, which may contribute to the development of other health problems.
-
Inability to Function
-
Insomnia can have severe effects on your body. In cases of insomnia, you'll be unable to focus and stay awake, as indicated by the website MayoClinic.com Without sleep, you'll become exhausted, which can lead to irritability, anxiety, depression, and other such symptoms.
Diseases
-
Sleep deprivation leads to the onset of disease. Prolonged lack of sleep can lead to the onset of diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, as noted by Science Daily. Lack of sleep also contributes to increased levels of cortisol, which is a steroid hormone, and decreased levels of thyroid stimulating hormones.
-
Immune Response
-
Your immune system can become damaged without sufficient sleep. Your white blood cell count and your immune system's response to fighting infections become compromised without sleep.
Increased Drowsiness
-
Falling asleep during the day can happen without enough nightly sleep. Fatigue can become more pronounced during the day. In those who suffer from sleep apnea, the inability to stay awake and concentrate is difficult.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit tired image by Elena Vdovina from Fotolia.com woman in solutude and depression image by Allen Penton from Fotolia.com in bed image by Dumitrescu Ciprian from Fotolia.com sleeping business woman and laptop image by Elena Vdovina from Fotolia.com
