What are the causes and symptoms of sleep deprivation?  

From weight gain and poor memory to food cravings and mood changes, symptoms of sleep deprivation are many. So, what is sleep deprivation, and what causes a lack of sleep?

In this article, we will outline some important facts about sleep deprivation – its causes, symptoms and prevention.

---

What is sleep deprivation, and what happens if you don’t get enough sleep?

Sleep deprivation is quite common among both children and adults. It's when you don’t get enough sleep or you aren’t sleeping properly. Not getting adequate sleep not only affects mental abilities but puts overall physical health at risk too.

Additionally, it can cause disruptive symptoms that can interfere with routine activities and lead to many health problems, including a weakened immune system, weight gain and overheating.

Lack of sleep is linked with several chronic health issues, like kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and obesity. Additionally, it also increases risk of injuries.

---

What causes lack of sleep?

Sleep deprivation can lead to several health problems. (Photo via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

Sleep deprivation can happen for several reasons, including:

• High-stress levels
• Alcohol use
• Drinking caffeine before bed
• Shift work
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Sleeping in unfamiliar or new places

Apart from the aforementioned reasons, several medical reasons can also cause a lack of sleep, like sleep apnea, insomnia, night terrors, sleep paralysis, Alzheimer’s, concussions, brain injuries, restless leg syndrome, sleep walking and certain medications.

---

What are the major symptoms of sleep deprivation?

Symptoms of sleep deprivation includes headache and irritability,. (Photo via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

Symptoms of sleep deprivation in adults include:

• Constant yawning
• Daytime sleepiness
• Mood changes
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Slowed reaction times

Symptoms of sleep deprivation in children include:

• Temper tantrums
• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability
• Moodiness
• Reluctance to leave the bed
• Hyperactive behavior

---

Signs you are not getting enough sleep

Sign of sleep deprivation includes high blood pressure and diabetes. (Photo via Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich)

Here are the major signs that indicate that you're not sleeping adequately:

Memory problems

One of the most common signs of sleep deprivation is memory issues. A lack of sleep impacts long and short-term memory, leading to various brain-related diseases. Sleep deprivation affects the brain’s ability to recall and process new information.

Weakened immunity

Weak immunity is also among the signs of sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system and slows down its fighting ability against viruses and bacteria that causes flu, common cold and other related problems.

Weight gain

A lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and hamper your hard work at losing weight. Medical experts believe that insufficient sleep can increase levels of the ghrelin hormone, which regulates appetite and cravings.

High blood pressure and diabetes

High blood pressure is also among the most common signs of sleep deprivation. If you don’t get at least six hours of sleep every night, your chance of high blood pressure increases.

Similarly, a lack of sleep affects release of insulin in the body, increasing risk of diabetes. People who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Fortunately, sleep deprivation is curable. Some beneficial ways to support quality sleep include counseling, medication, environmental and lifestyle adjustments, and alternative therapies.

---

Preventive measures

Symptoms of sleep deprivation can be eased by following certain at-home preventive measures.

They include avoiding heavy dinners 2-3 hours before bedtime, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, trying to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, getting regular workouts during the day and not drinking caffeine before bedtime.

If these measures do not improve your sleep, you must see a doctor, especially if the symptoms of sleep deprivation affect your life quality.