Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation, also known as sleep insufficiency or sleeplessness, is the condition of not having enough sleep. 

The condition affects the brain and its cognitive function. The condition can be either chronic or acute. Sleep deprivation can be used to treat certain disorders, such as clinical depression. Sleep deprivation has also been used as a form of torture. Multiple factors can cause or contribute to sleep deprivation including poor sleep hygiene, lifestyle choices, work obligations, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions. Sleep deficiency may be caused by other sleep disorders or medical conditions. For example, sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that induces dozens of nightly awakenings, may hinder both sleep duration and quality. Other medical or mental health problems, such as pain or general anxiety disorder, can interfere with the quality and quantity of sleep.thumb|300px|Main health effects of sleep deprivation.thumb|300px|Minor dark circles, in addition to a hint of eye bags, a combination suggestive of minor sleep deprivation.
Generally, sleep deprivation may result in:
 aching muscles
 confusion, memory lapses or loss
 depression
 development of false memories
 hallucinationsNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep . ninds.nih.gov
 hand tremor
 headaches
 malaise
 stye
 periorbital puffiness, commonly known as "bags under eyes" or eye bags
 increased blood pressure
 increased stress hormone levels
 increased risk of diabetes
 increased risk of fibromyalgia
 irritability
 nystagmus (rapid involuntary rhythmic eye movement)
 obesity
 seizures
 temper tantrums in children
 yawning
 mania
 symptoms similar to:
 attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
 psychosisNeural Link Between Sleep Loss And Psychiatric Disorders . ts-si.org (24 October 2007)

 Causes 
There are many reasons why a person may not get enough sleep. Examples include:

 shift work
 meeting deadlines
 a sleeping environment that is noisy or not the right temperature
 using electronic devices, like a phone, close to bedtime or keeping them in the bedroom
 medical problems, such as depression, sleep apnea, or chronic pain
 caring for another person during the night

 Types of Sleep Deprivation 
Sleep deprivation and sleep insufficiency may be categorised in different ways depending on a person’s circumstances.

 Acute sleep deprivation refers to a short period, usually a few days or less, when a person has a significant reduction in their sleep time.
 Chronic sleep deprivation, also known as insufficient sleep syndrome, is defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as curtailed sleep that persists for three months or longer.
 Chronic sleep deficiency or insufficient sleep can describe ongoing sleep deprivation as well as poor sleep that occurs because of sleep fragmentation or other disruptions.

References

Category:Sleep disorders