The lack of a good night's sleep can lead to a number of serious problems, including depression, stress, and headaches. This brief article describes some of these problems. Well-Connected Consequences of Insomnia Economic Effects. Reduced Mental Functioning. Insomnia can lead to reduced concentration, decreased memory, and impaired task performance.
Some experts report that deep sleep deprivation impairs the brain's ability to process information.
One study indicated that healthy sleep is important for learning certain perceptual skills related to visual patterns as well as repetitive skills, such as typing. Some studies reported no difference in test scores between people with temporary sleep loss and those with full sleep, although a Canadian study found that students who slept after cramming for an exam did better than those who stayed awake. One study reported that missing only two to three hours of sleep every night for a week significantly impaired performance and mood. Stress and Depression. Stress can cause insomnia, but, in turn, insomnia also increases the activity of the hormones and pathways in the brain that cause stress.