Guest Post: Susan Sami

Sleeping allows our body and mind to rejuvenate and recharge. But, sleep deprivation has become a common issue impacting our well-being. It can be due to multiple reasons, such as work schedules, personal commitments, or an uncomfortable mattress.

A recommended amount of sleep is undervalued by many, but the aftereffects of sleep deprivation can cause physiological effects.  

A 'good night's sleep' makes you feel refreshed and recharged in the morning. But, when you are not getting quality sleep, you wake up as a grumpier person. Sleep deprivation can increase stressors in the body, leading to increased negative emotional responses.

Getting back your quality sleep might be easier than you think. Maintaining a proper sleep schedule, ensuring sleep hygiene, and opting for a comfortable mattress and body pillows could be a few simple things to help.

This article addresses the psychological effects of sleep deprivation and why quality sleep is important. So, let’s dive into it.

What can be the possible psychological effects of sleep deprivation?

A night without quality sleep, tossing and turning, you already know you will feel tired and cranky the next day. Unfortunately, missing out on quality sleep will not just make you grumpy and groggy; it does a lot more to your body.

Impaired cognitive function:

Sleep deprivation is heavily linked with cognitive function. The absence of good sleep leads to poor concentration, focus and problem-solving abilities. Memory function is also affected. Hence it gets harder to retain and recall information. Cognitive impairment can also affect work performance and increases the chances of errors.

When a person is sleep deprived, the ability to think and solve problems is also compromised. Not to mention, sleep-deprived people struggle with innovative solutions and creative decisions. Insufficient sleep decreases the whole mechanism and decreases the reaction time. Chronic sleep deprivation is also linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Emotional instability and mood disorders:

Sleep deprivation isa  wreckage to our emotional well-being. Overworking and sleep deprivation mess up overall mental health. It can also lead to increased irritability, mood swings and emotional instability.

Even minor issues can frustrate sleep-deprived individuals and escalate matters to another level. Also, not taking quality sleep increases the risk of developing mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Impaired Decision-Making:

Sleep-deprived individuals are unable to make sound decisions. Their ability to assess the risk and take timely decisions is also impacted. Professional life is also highly compromised if a person cannot make sound decisions, increasing the chances of errors and mistakes.

Stress response:

Our bodies become more prone to stress when we do not get quality sleep. Sleep deprivation is one of the most prominent triggers of stress. The lack of quality sleep increases the production of stress hormones such as cortisol leading to anxiety and aggressiveness.

A well-rested body can cope with stress. But, a sleep-deprived body has a weakened coping mechanism incapable of handling stress. Sufficient sleep regulates stress levels and also enhances resilience.

Reduced Emotional Empathy and Social Interactions:

Sufficient sleep is important for maintaining healthy relationships. Sleep-deprived individuals are exhausted, frustrated and irritated, and they also experience reduced emotional empathy, making it harder to connect with a person emotionally.

Sleep-deprived individuals skip social interactions, affecting their personal and professional relationships.

Causes of sleep deprivation:

There can be multiple factors of sleep deprivation, both internal and external. Let's explore some of the common causes of sleep deprivation.

Lifestyle:

Lifestyle choices can also impact sleep quality. Routine in life is important to maintain sanity. Hectic work schedules forced commitments, and peer pressure also affects sleep quality. Excessive screen time and irregular sleep patterns contribute to sleep deprivation.

Professional life:

Individuals working at night and rotating shifts also need better quality sleep issues. Moreover, healthcare professionals and other professions also have demanding schedules which interfere with adequate sleep.

Environmental factors:

One of the most prominent causes of sleep deprivation. Noise pollution, room temperature, uncomfortable mattress, light exposure, etc., contribute to poor sleep quality. All of these factors make it challenging for an individual to sleep properly.

Medical conditions:

An individual suffering from a medical condition is also sleep deprived. Also, sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome all come under medical conditions.

Stress and anxiety:

Anxiety disorder and depression can also lead to sleep deprivation. Overthinking makes it difficult for a person to sleep properly. Racing thoughts, restlessness, and fear all come under stress and anxiety, contributing to poor sleep quality.

Use of substance:

The use of substances and certain medications also contributes to low quality of sleep. Substances such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol disturb sleep patterns. Medications such as antidepressants and stimulants may have sleep-disrupting side effects.

It is extremely important to understand the root cause of sleep deprivation. Healthy sleeping habits improve the quality of life.

Wrapping up:

Sleep deprivation is not just being tired and feeling cranky all day long. It is much more than that; it has significant psychological effects on the body. Some psychological effects of sleep deprivation are emotional instability, mood disorders, stress responses, and social interactions. An individual must understand the importance of quality sleep and start prioritizing it. A better sleeping pattern improves cognitive abilities and overall quality of life.