The most severe effects of sleep deprivation occur when a person stays awake for more than 24 hours, or following repeated nights with fewer than four hours in bed. Irritability, distractibility, and impairments in cognitive and moral judgment can occur with fewer than four hours of sleep. Staying awake for 48 consecutive hours can lead to hallucinations.

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Sleep debt and sleep deprivation have significant negative psychological and physiological consequences. These effects can occur as a function of accumulated sleep debt or in response to more acute periods of sleep deprivation.

Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Lack of sleep can result in decreased mental alertness and cognitive function. In addition, sleep deprivation often results in depression-like symptoms.

Psychological Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is associated with obesity, increased blood pressure, increased levels of stress hormones, and reduced immune functioning.

Physiological Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep-deprived individuals have difficulty staying awake when they stop moving, such as when sitting and watching television or driving a car. Sleep deprivation affects cognitive and motor function as much as, if not more than, alcohol intoxication, putting individuals and others at risk when operating vehicles or dangerous machinery.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Motor Function

Severe Effects of Prolonged Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation negatively impacts the brain, leading to symptoms such as irritability, cognitive impairment, memory lapses or loss, impaired moral judgment, severe yawning, hallucinations, and symptoms similar to ADHD.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Brain

A lack of sleep has adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, specifically increasing the risk of heart disease.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Heart

Sleep deprivation negatively affects the muscular system. Adverse effects include increased reaction time, decreased accuracy, tremors, and aches.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Muscles

Lack of sleep is associated with metabolic and physical risks, including growth suppression, decreased body temperature, and an increased risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic Risks of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation impairs the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness.

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