The Dangers Of Sleep Deprivation
by
site editor Marlene S. Hodge, last update: 5/11/2012 1:20:14 PM.
sleep, sleep aid
Sleep deprivation is considered not getting the proper amount of sleep. It produces a number of negative effects and is considered a form of torture. This should clearly demonstrate the negative effects of sleep deprivation, and unfortunately some people suffer from this because of insomnia.
Sleep deprivation has a whole range of negative effects other than the obvious drowsiness and loss of concentration. Going without sleep or on too little sleep for a long period of time can actually result in hallucinations, fainting, temporary paralysis and in some it ironically results in hyperactivity. If you go without sleep for long enough it is even possible to die from it, your body can actually sustain itself longer without food than it can without sleep. People who suffer from chronic insomnia know these all too well and there are more people dealing with them than you would think. The costs of sleep deprivation are incalculable, though undoubtedly very high because accidents, lost production and much more.
Sleep deprivation is very bad for the healing process, whether it be healing from a disease or injury. Sleep deprivation has also been shown to have similar effects on functioning and judgment as consuming alcohol, making driving or operating machinery very dangerous while sleep deprived. Recent studies in Western Europe actually showed that people who had not slept for more than 17 hours drove worse than those who had a blood alcohol level which was exactly the legal limit.
So what can be done about sleep deprivation? This obviously depends on the cause of it. In some cases it is quite simple; if a medication is causing you to lose sleep a doctor will prescribe you an alternative, if you drink six cup of coffee per day try cutting down. Most often it is not so simple, and you may have to be tested for a series of both physical and psychological causes. Sleep apnea, a disorder in which a person's oxygen supply is cut off during sleep can be treated with specialized masks. Insomnia caused by stress and anxiety has a number of different treatment options. While many doctors will want to prescribe anti anxiety medications, but relaxation techniques, therapy and herbal remedies are very helpful here.
Regardless of what you do, ignoring the fact you are in a sleep deprived state is not only bad for your health, but dangerous to other people as well. If you are in "sleep deficit" please don't drive or do anything that may endanger yourself or others.