Benefits & Effects of Not Getting Enough Sleep
- Various studies have shown many physical effects of lack of sleep. An insufficient amount of sleep can disrupt hormones that affect appetite. Too little sleep can lead to an increased chance of obesity. A Nurses' Health Study from Harvard has shown an increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer. Less serious effects include an increase in blood pressure, a decrease in the "functioning of the lining inside blood vessels" and lack of energy, according to the Washington Post.
- Sleep deprivation can also lead to temporary mental defects. One mental effect of lack of sleep is sleepiness that will last throughout the day. Extreme sleepiness can become dangerous when driving or working with heavy machinery. Sleepiness can also lead to irritability, anxiety, lack of motivation and restlessness. Sleep deprivation can be risky for students and workers because the fatigue can cause forgetfulness, lack of coordination, distractibility and attention deficits. Extreme fatigue can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, hallucinations and fainting.
- Adolescents are "biologically driven to sleep longer and later than adults do," according to the American Psychological Association. Lack of sleep in teens is common due to early mornings for school, busy afternoons with after-school activities and evenings filled with homework and other obligations. These cases of insufficient sleep can cause disciplinary problems, decreased performance in academic studies and lack of concentration in classes. Because early-morning classes can be important parts of the day, it is crucial that teens sleep sufficiently.
- Individual requirements for hours of sleep vary. Some people claim they feel well rested, while others with the same amount of sleep may feel exhausted. The average recommended amount of sleep involves "16 hours of wakefulness and. . . an average of eight hours of sleep a night," according to the American Psychological Association. Some may pass with around six hours of sleep, while others may need 10.