You have probably experienced mild sleep deprivation at one time or another. There have been times when you have not had enough sleep – it happens to everyone. But true sleep deprivation can be a serous condition. Sleep deprivation can lead to a host of different illnesses, including some cancers. There are both physical as well as psychological effects of sleep deprivation.

Sleep Deprivations Studies

Sleep deprivation studies have been conducted on those who have suffered these deprivations on a repeated basis. Many of them have been college students who have purposely prevented themselves from sleeping so that they could study for exams. In college, sleep deprivation is common around the end of terms, but studies are indicating that it is a lot more harmless than just getting a few dark circles under the eyes. There have been indications that students who have routinely deprived themselves of sleep have experienced a host of problems, including episodes of psychosis.

Physical Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Physical effects of sleep deprivation are often apparent. A person who is deprived of sleep feels tired most of the time. They may have dark circles under their eyes. These are the classic physical signs of sleep deprivation of which we have become accustomed. But there are more serious physical consequences to sleep deprivation than just the idea of someone appearing to be tired. Sleep deprivation studies have indicated that a lack of sleep can lead to serious diseases such as diabetes, depression and some cancers. This is due to the disruption in the hormones that take place when the body does not sleep.

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Health

Obesity is a common side effect of sleep deprivation. Obesity and sleep deprivation seem to go hand in hand as many studies indicate that not only does sleep deprivation lead to obesity due to hormone imbalance created by sleep deprivation, but that obesity can also influence sleep habits. Someone who is obese has more of a chance of getting sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder that causes the individual to awaken several times during the night and is often characterized by snoring.

Other physical effects of sleep deprivation include a delayed reaction time. Someone who is tired and not getting enough sleep will not have the same reaction time as someone who is fully rested. A lack of sleep, therefore, can prove to be harmful if someone is driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Thousands of accidents, many of them fatal, occur each year due to sleep deprivation and a lack of sufficient reaction time.

Sleep Deprivation while Driving

Sleep deprivation while driving occurs more often than people think. Truck drivers, under pressure to get a delivery to a destination within a certain amount of time, will often self deprive themselves of sleep. They take artificial stimulation so that they can stay awake at the wheel for longer periods of time. Despite the fact that this is illegal and dangerous, some trucking companies look the other way when it comes to their drivers taking on more than one shift. Accidents involving truckers who have fallen asleep at the wheel due to sleep deprivation and driving occur all over the United States.

Signs of Sleep Deprivation

In addition to obvious signs of sleep deprivation such as dark circles under they eyes, that indicate a lack of melatonin, someone who is deprived of sleep may also be irritable and appear nervous. Their hands may shake due to an imbalance in the central nervous system that occurs because of sleep deprivation. Anyone who is suffering from sleep deprivation may exhibit these signs.

Sleep Deprivation and Reaction Time is slowed considerably

Sleep deprivation is not only dangerous when it comes to driving, operating heavy machinery or working, but can also lead to a host of physical problems due to the hormonal imbalance that is created when the body is deprived of sleep. If you are not sure if you are getting enough sleep, you should seek out the results of a sleep study. You can do your own sleep tracking study, or you can seek out this type of study at a clinical environment if you feel that you are suffering from sleep deprivation.