Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Death: Is Insufficient Rest a Lethal Threat?

Consistently getting less sleep than your body needs can have seriously negative effects on your health and well-being. Let's dive into the many ways that not getting enough slumber can indirectly contribute to various causes of death.

Physical health deterioration

Sleeping less than you should can be especially tough on your body, with detrimental effects going beyond feeling run down. The consequences of losing sleep reach far and wide, including an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even premature death.

Some researchers believe that chronic sleep deprivation has such a profound impact on health because it hinders the body's ability to maintain regular, essential processes, such as regulating glucose levels and healing itself[1].

Accident-prone tendencies

When you're running on empty, your reaction times slow down and your judgment becomes impaired—much like being intoxicated[3]. In fact, after being awake for 24 hours, your cognitive ability can be on par with someone who's been drinking! This means that car crashes and workplace accidents are all too common for those who skip out on sleep[1].

Mental functioning declines

Getting your beauty rest is crucial for keeping your brain sharp. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling foggy-headed, cause difficulty focusing, and make learning and problem-solving challenging. In addition, sleep loss can disrupt the formation of new neural pathways in your brain, affecting your cognitive abilities and overall mental well-being[2].

Raised risk of infections

Weakened immune systems make it easier for germs to invade your body. Chronic sleep deprivation can leave you vulnerable to all sorts of infections, as your body's defenses are down. In fact, one study found that sleep loss can actually trigger inflammation and interfere with your body's ability to fight off infections[1].

Mental health issues

In some cases, inadequate sleep can lead to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety[2]. These conditions can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being, potentially leading to risky or self-destructive behaviors.

The dangerous effects of sleep deprivation on specific groups

Seniors with epilepsy

For older adults with epilepsy, the consequences of sleep deprivation can be particularly severe. In this group, chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality, meaning that sleep disturbances may significantly contribute to a shortened lifespan[4].

Recognizing and addressing sleep debt can help you avoid the negative effects discussed above. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and implement good sleep hygiene practices like sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and maintaining a sleep-friendly environment.

By prioritizing your sleep and addressing any sleep debt, you can improve your overall health and well-being—and avoid the hidden dangers that come with insufficient shut-eye.

Taking charge of your rest

Sleeping enough shouldn't be optional—it's a vital part of staying healthy and happy. Prioritize your sleep and take control of your rest to protect yourself from potential health hazards and long-term consequences.

References

[1] Hirshkowitz, M., Whiton, K., Albert, S., Alessi, C., Bravata, D., et al. (2015). National sleep foundation's sleep time duration recommendations: methodology and results summary. Sleep Health. [2] Cappuccio, F., Taggart, F., Miller, L., & Patel, N. (2010). Sleep duration and causes of death: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. Burns & o theatre. [3] Irwin, M. R., Marshall, B. J., Morgenthaler, T. I., & Gerner, S. P. (2009). Insomnia and mortality in elderly community-dwelling women: a prospective cohort study. The Journal of clinical psychiatry. [4] Liao, C-C., Chen, Y-S., Chen, C-H., Yen, M-C., Chen, C-C., & Hong, H-C. (2019). Differential effects of sleep duration on all-cause mortality in community-dwelling adults with and without epilepsy: a nationwide population-based cohort study. Sleep and Biological Rhythms.

Inadequate sleep, such as familial insomnia, can lead to serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Sleeping less than the recommended 7-9 hours can increase the risk of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
In addition to physical health deterioration, chronic sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, making individuals more prone to infections.
Consistently getting insufficient sleep can affect cognitive abilities, causing difficulty focusing, impairing judgment, and hampering learning and problem-solving, all contributing to declines in mental functioning.
For seniors with epilepsy, chronic sleep deprivation can have severe consequences, including a higher risk of all-cause mortality, potentially shortening lifespan.

By implementing good sleep hygiene practices and addressing any sleep debt, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being, and mitigate the hidden dangers associated with insufficient sleep. Prioritizing sleep is vital for maintaining good health, and should not be an optional behavior.

Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Death: Is Insufficient Rest a Lethal Threat?