Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Posted: February 18, 2010
By: Sara

The effects of sleep deprivation can cause many health problems that we aren’t aware of. It can effect your physical and mental health by diminishing your ability to think clearly and handle the stresses of every day life. It can affect our body’s immune system and cause our bodies to be attacked by illness and disease. If the reason for the sleep deprivation is not found, it is hard for doctors to know what exactly to treat.

Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

The main symptoms of sleep deprivation include some of the following:

• dizziness and nausea
• hallucinations
• irritability
• memory loss or lapses
• yawning
• nystagmus or rapid involuntary eye movements
• psychosis
• severe headaches
• hand tremors
• increased risk for a number of diseases

Many studies have been performed regarding sleep deprivation showing that the brain’s cognitive functions are greatly affected and sleep deprivation has even been linked to Diabetes, heart diseases, and bipolar disorders.

Knowing Your Limits

If you are suffering from the effects of sleep deprivation and are not under the care of a medical professional, you should not drive because statistics show that at least one in five tragic automobile accidents are related to the fatigue of the driver causing them to take unnecessary risks on the road. If you are driving and you begin to feel drowsy, pull over as soon as you find a safe place and lock your doors and take a nap until you feel rested before you begin driving again. You could always call someone to come and help you if the drowsiness does not go away.

Tips for Getting a Good Night Sleep

If you feel you are just going through a phase in your life causing you to not get enough sleep, the following tips may help you in your quest for getting a good restful night of sleep.

1. Create your own sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning using an alarm clock. After awhile this will become automatic and your inner clock will take over.
2. Make up a relaxing ritual before your scheduled bedtime such as taking a warm relaxing bath or listening to music and avoid any activity that is stimulating.
3. Redecorate your sleeping area into a quiet and dark place free from interruptions.
4. Do not use your bedroom for anything except sleep and sex. Eating in bed is not advised and any eating should be done at least three hours before your set bedtime.
5. Do not smoke or drink alcohol or caffeine close to bed time. Some people believe that alcohol is a relaxant but it can actually disturb your sleep and may even cause nightmares.
6. Set up a regular exercise program sometime during the day, but always finish your routines at least a few hours before bedtime.
7. Learn relaxation techniques to help you go to sleep.

Getting a restful nights sleep can help decrease your chances of having a heart attack or even a stroke. Getting from seven to nine hours of sleep each night has been recommended by professionals specializing in sleep disorders so that you won’t suffer the effects of sleep deprivation.