SLEEP DEPRIVATION has a deeper impact than just making us sleepy the next day. Sleep is
part of our daily routine, but we tend to prioritize work, socializing, and other activities over it.
When we don’t get enough sleep, it can impact not only our mental and physical health but also
our productivity and overall quality of life.
Consequences of Lack of Sleep
The short-term effects of sleep deprivation can include daytime sleepiness, fatigue, irritability,
and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can affect our ability to perform daily tasks,
making us more prone to accidents and errors. Not getting enough sleep can also impact our
mood and social interactions, making it difficult to maintain positive relationships with others.
The Effects Worsen Over Time
Many nights of poor quality or little sleep can lead to more serious effects, such as an increased
risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular
disease. In addition, sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making us more
vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Sleep deprivation can also affect cognitive function, leading to memory impairment and difficulty
learning. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies produce more of the hormone ghrelin,
which stimulates appetite, and less of the hormone leptin, which suppresses appetite. This can
lead to overeating and weight gain.
Chronic Sleep Deprivation
At its most severe, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to changes in brain function and structure,
making it more difficult to regulate emotions and make rational decisions. In addition, long-term
sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of mental health conditions such as
depression and anxiety. Overall, the effects of sleep deprivation can have a significant impact
on our physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of getting enough quality sleep
each night.
Sleep Apnea and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, can be a
cause of sleep deprivation. People with sleep apnea often wake up multiple times during the
night, without knowing it, due to breathing interruptions, which can lead to daytime sleepiness
and fatigue.
Treating Sleep Apnea to Restore a Good Night’s Sleep
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for sleep apnea, such as oral appliance
therapy. This treatment involves wearing a custom-fit oral appliance during sleep. The appliance
adjusts the jaw to help keep the airway open and prevent breathing interruptions, reducing the
symptoms of sleep apnea and improving the quality of sleep.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Therapy LLC Can Help
If you are having difficulty sleeping, feel unrefreshed after a night of sleep, suffer with daytime
tiredness or suspect that sleep apnea may be causing your sleep deprivation, it’s important to
seek professional help. A Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr.
Burman at Snoring and Sleep Apnea Therapy LLC, offers alternative solutions such as oral
appliance and NightLase therapy to help improve your sleep and overall well-being.
