17 Hideous Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Human Body

Sleep deprivation is known as a condition in which a person does not get normal sleep. As you know that a normal adult needs 6-8 hours of calm and quiet sleep every 24 hours. The sleeplessness of one day is almost negligible but frequent episodes can make the condition verse. Irregularity in sleep hours and uncomfortable environment also aggravate the condition. Most of the people are unaware of the sleep deprivation symptoms and their adverse effects on the human body. In this post, we have tried to highlight the probable effects of lack of sleep on different body systems. Here we have highlighted the 17 effects of sleep deprivation on the human body. Awareness and timely remedial actions can help you to overcome these health issues.

Effects of sleep deprivation on the brain

The first body part that faces a lack of sleep affects is the brain. The seven dangerous effects appear in the form of following health issues on the brain and Nervous system.

1.         Memory disturbance

As you know that brain processes and save the information as memories while you sleep. However, lack of sleep does not allow the brain to complete this process which results in loss of short and long term memory. Prolonged disturbance and irregularity in sleeping hours can make the condition verse. Even the individual may face the loss of vocabulary. The forgetfulness while talking can also be noticed in severe cases.

2.         Lack of concentration

Deprivation of sleep also leads to a lack of concentration on assigned work. Lack of interest in the assigned task is also a common sign of disturbed sleep. The impairment of attention, alertness and solving simple problems also occur. The daily work output is also impaired which further leads to adjustment disorders. The patient does not take interest in outdoor games and social activities.

3.         Slow response and reactions

Slow response to the environmental condition is one of the most dangerous effects of sleep deprivation on the human brain. Reduced reaction time increases the risk of accidents while driving and working on machines. Basically, the individual does not judge the movements of the objects around him/her and takes more than the normal time to act.

4.         Vestibular system

The effects of sleep deprivation on the vestibular system are rarely known by the people. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining body balance while walking, running and performing different maneuvers. In severe cases, the individual cannot stabilize him/her self while standing. Disorientation is one of the common symptoms of the affected vestibular system. The persons associated with the aviation industry are more susceptible to developing disorientation due to sleep deprivation. That is why; it is strongly recommended that the aviators do never compromise on sleep. 

5.         Vision

As you know, the brain is the very first important body part affected by sleep deprivation. Dimness of vision is also associated with sleep on the same mechanism. Disturbance of the center of focus may also be present in sleep-deprived individuals. Focusing on the target becomes difficult. If you are a hunter or shooter, you will not be able to aim your target correctly.

6.         Mood changes

Mood changes are a common symptom of sleep deprivation. Lethargy and apathy can be noted when a person is deprived of normal sleep. Abnormal behavior and lack of interest in social gatherings can also be noted in such cases. 

7.         Anxiety depression

Prolonged deprivation of sleep leaves adverse effects on the human body in the form of anxiety and depression. These psychiatric problems are associated with the above-mentioned disorders. Actually, the failure in the achievement of desired goals and tasks generates hopelessness which further causes depression. Timely rectification of the above-mentioned symptoms can help in preventing psychiatric problems.

Effects of sleep deprivation on the cardiovascular system

Sleep deprivation leaves life-threatening effects on the cardiovascular system of the human body. The following effects on the cardiovascular system will help you know the importance of sleep in our life.

8.         High blood pressure

The blood pressure and pulse rate slightly decrease during sleep. The decrease in blood pressure allows the heart muscles to refresh. Continuous wakefulness disturbs blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to sleep disorders causes high blood pressure.

9.         Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia or irregular pulse rate has also been noted in sleep-deprived individuals. There are many other reasons for developing arrhythmias; however, if a person is sleep-deprived, the cause may be correlated. 

10.       Heart failure

There are many other reasons for heart failure but sleep deprivation is one of the reasons. As you have read above that continuous wakefulness does not allow the heart to refresh. High blood pressure is one of the major causes of heart failure and lack of sleep is one of the reasons HBP. So, deprivation of sleep may also be the factor of heart failure until it is rolled out. 

11.       Heart attack

Although there is no authentic cause of heart attack related to lack of sleep; however, some causes of heart attack and heart failure are common. The formation of extra fats in the body is associated with sleep disorders because it disturbs the metabolic process. Fats are the major cause of heart attack.

12.       Strokes

The blockage of blood vessels of the brain due to different reasons leads to stroke. High blood pressure is the major cause of strokes. Therefore, high blood pressure caused by sleep deprivation may further lead to strokes.

Effects on the digestive system

The digestive system is more prone to be affected by the deprivation of sleep. The gastric juices work more effectively during sleep. Similarly, the metabolic process accelerates at the same time. The following problems may develop when a person is deprived of sleep.

13.       Dyspepsia/ indigestion

Dyspepsia or indigestion is a common symptom resulting from a slow metabolic process. A feeling of nausea, vomiting, the fullness of stomach, heartburn, and belching are the signs and symptoms of dyspepsia. The effect on the digestive system is quick because only one-night sleep disturbance may develop the symptoms.

14.       Weight gain

Usually, overweight is associated with oversleeping; however, sleep deprivation also leads to weight gain. The slow metabolic process allows extra fats to store in the body which results in overweight or obesity. Moreover, the chemicals signaling from the brain about the fullness of stomach slowdown. Resultantly, the individual eats more than the required food causing obesity.

15.       Risk of diabetes

A sleep-deprived person is more susceptible to suffer from type-2 diabetes. Sleeplessness disturbs the release of insulin from the pancreas which results in a high sugar level in the blood. Prolonged exposure to sleeplessness causes type-2 diabetes.

Miscellaneous effects of sleep deprivation on the human body

16.       Lowered sex drive

Sleep deprivation is a known factor in lowered sex drive both in men and women. Increased stress and tension due to sleeplessness decreases libidos and interest in having sex. The production and release of sex hormone testosterone badly decrease in men who are sleep deprived. 

17.       Fast aging process

Prolonged sleep deprivation accelerates the aging factor. You look older than your actual age when you do not observe proper sleeping hours. Prolonged wakefulness increases cortisol (stress hormone) level in the blood which breaks skin protein (collagen). This process abruptly damages the skin smoothness and elasticity and you look older than your actual age. The production of growth hormone is also affected by sleep loss and tissue repair process slows down. The signs of slow tissue repair process appear on the skin and eyes in all sleep deprivation stages.

Conclusion:

The above mentioned discussion proves that deprivation of sleep affects all the body systems and functions. Specifically, there is no sleep deprivation treatment except restoration. Restoration of normal sleep can help prevent these life-threatening effects. So, properly observe your sleeping hours and live a healthy and active life. Thanks

Link between Hypertension and Sleep Disorders

Sleep plays a very important role in refreshing and regulating body systems and functions. Sleep deprivation disturbs the routine body functions which further affects different body functions. The cardiovascular system is the very first system that comes under the influence of sleep disorders. Prolonged sleep disturbance leads to a reasonable increase in blood pressure. 

How do sleep disorders cause hypertension?

A slight decrease in blood pressure is noted during asleep. This decrease in blood pressure allows the brain to activate memory restoration function. The increase in blood pressure affects the brains and impairs the memory system. For proper functioning of the memory system during sleep, a decrease in blood pressure is necessary. Hypertension disturbs the brain while asleep and causes different types of sleep disorders. So, hypertension is one of the major causes of sleep problems in adults.

How to control sleep disorders caused by hypertension?

Treatment of the cause is best recommended to minimize the effects of hypertension on sleep. There are different reasons for developing high blood pressure in adults. The consultant physician can prescribe the best medication and treatment for high blood pressure. However, the following precautionary measures can help you to control the developing symptom in the early stages. The controlled pressure is also helpful for comfortable and normal sleep.

·                     One of the common causes in the present era for high blood pressure is increased cholesterol levels. Fatty, fried foods are the basic element behind increased lipids. The increased lipid makes the blood thick and makes it hard to travel through veins, arteries and blood vessels. The increased cholesterol level also results in many other cardiovascular diseases which may also be correlated with sleep problems caused by hypertension. Controlling the cholesterol level to normal limits is helpful in maintaining blood pressure. Changing eating habits and light exercises like jogging and brisk walk are helpful in this regard.  

·                     Sleep deprivation is also a major cause of developing high blood pressure. Usually, hypertension develops due to irregular and insufficient sleep. Regularity in rest and work hours is helpful in the management of hypertension.

·                     The patients suffering from anxiety depression have also been noted with increased blood pressure. Such patients should get medication as per their physician’s advice.

·                     Patients with gastrointestinal disorders may also develop high blood pressure. Like anxiety, the GIT cases must also consult their physician and take regular medication as per prescription.

Conclusion: 

The above discussion proves that hypertension may develop due to different reasons. However, in every case, it affects the sleep of individuals which further causes different types of sleep disorders. So, whenever, you notice any sign of increased blood pressure, consult your physician immediately.

Nocturia | Excessive Urination at Night

Nocturia or frequent urination at night is a condition in which a person needs to urinate frequently during the night. The patient feels the fullness of the urinary bladder and wakes up for going to the washroom. It may happen due to different medical or psychological reasons. The frequent changes in between the duration of urination gaps with the weather change cannot be labeled as Nocturia. Usually, the urine output increases during the winter season because of less sweating. Excessive urination due to decreased sweating is not a sign of Nocturia.

Causes of Nocturia or Excessive urination at night

There may be different causes of excessive urination at night. Some of the known causes are given in the subsequent bullet points; however, the right reason can be sought out with proper evaluation and laboratory investigation. A scan of the urinary and genital system can also be advised by the physician. A physician is a person who can give a better opinion about Nocturia.

·                     The enlargement of prostate glands is one of the common causes of excessive urination during the night.   

·                     Excessive caffeine intake also increases the urine output and causes frequent urination at night.

·                     Diabetic patients also feel the fullness of the bladder while asleep.

·                     Drinking plenty of fluids before sleeping also increases urine output but this condition is not included in Nocturia.

Complications caused by Nocturia

Nocturia is also a cause of sleep apnea. The numbers of cases with frequent urination at night have been reported between the ages of 55 to 84 years. In this age group, enlargement of prostate glands and diabetes suffer Nocturia. The symptoms also exist during the daytime but the sufferer may no notice. However, frequent awakening during the night makes the individual realize about abnormal urge to urinate. The major complication of Nocturia is sleep deprivation followed by other symptoms of sleep disorders. Disturbance in the sleep pattern affects different body systems causing sleep disorders related systems like anxiety and hypertension etc.

Treatment of Nocturia

The treatment is based on the cause of frequent urination at night. The concerned doctor must be consulted on immediate after developing the symptoms. In some cases, surgical intervention may be recommended for the diagnosed cases of enlarged prostate glands. Diabetic patients are treated with medications to control blood sugar levels. The controlled sugar level is helpful to minimize the effects of Nocturia. The treatment of other causes of Nocturia is symptomatic. Changing habits is helpful to overcome this problem.

Remedial measures to accommodate and live with Nocturia

Sleep deprivation is a very serious drawback of excessive urination at night. Some measures can reduce the effects of this health issue until proper diagnosis and treatment. The following remedial measures can be helpful to decrease the excessive urination at night.

·                     Avoid taking too much coffee or tea in the evening and night.

·                     Water is very important for good health and the basic need of life. The patients with frequent nocturnal urination should take more fluids in the early hours. Possibly stop drinking fluids two hours before going to bed.

Is Sleep Apnea Treatable?

Apnea is referred to as a pause in the normal breathing cycle. The pause in the breathing cycle during sleep is called sleep apnea. The gap between the breathing cycles for ten or more seconds is included in sleep apnea. There are two main types of sleep apneas. The pause caused due to the failure of the breath control system in the brain is known as central sleep apnea. The second type is obstructive sleep apnea caused due to failure of the throat muscle keeping the airway open. The supply of oxygen to the body is interrupted in both types. Resultantly, the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the body is reduced.

What does happen in Obstructive sleep apnea?

The pause in the breathing cycle leads to a deficiency of oxygen to the body tissues. Less energy is required for the smooth functioning of body systems during sleep. However, with the breathing pause, the oxygen level further decreases. The decrease in oxygen to the body tissues necessitates an increase in the heart rate which causes awakening the sufferer. Sometimes, the patients awake with a jerk. It happens in the deep phase of sleep. The repeated pause in the breathe causes disturbance in sleep. This disturbance generates different types of sleep disorders. The people suffering from OSA are more prone to develop snoring while asleep. Snoring results from the obstruction in the airway.

What does cause obstructive sleep apnea?

The obstructive sleep apnea occurs either through narrowing the airway or completely closing the airway. The pattern of disturbance varies in both cases. The main causes of OSA may be tonsil problems and overweight. Some of the individuals with a large neck, small chin, small jaws, and large bite have also been found with such problems. The habits like smoking and drinking alcohol are also the known causes of OSA. Old age, especially above 40 can also be a reason for developing OSA. Along with age factor, ethnicity is also a factor for developing such sleep disorders. The people of Africa, America, Pacific Island, and Hispania have been found with OSA. According to a study, more than 18 million adults in America are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Complications caused by obstructive sleep apnea

Many sleep disorders are associated with OSA. Repeated episodes of OSA lead to sleep deprivation. Feeling sleepy and lack of interest in daily activities are the major drawbacks of sleep apnea. Lethargy, apathy, and dizziness have been noticed in the patients during the daytime. Other complications associated with sleep deprivation like depression, hypertension, loss of appetite and heart problems may also develop.

Management of obstructive sleep apnea

Management of OSA depends on the causative factors. In some cases, the treatment is short whereas in other cases it takes long term procedures and surveillance. Reliance on alcohol and tobacco is the known reason for developing obstructive sleep apnea. Discontinuation of alcohol and tobacco can b helpful to minimize the occurrences. Most of the obese and overweight people develop with symptoms of OSA. Reduction in weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet are recommended for overweight people. Remember! Here weight reduction doesn’t mean dieting. The congenital abnormalities of upper and lower jaws can be treated through surgery depending upon the condition. The concerned surgeon can decide the suitable procedure in this regard. Infected and enlarged tonsils are also treated through surgical procedures. In some cases, the continuous positiveairway pressure device has been proved helpful to reduce OSA. With CPAP the air passage remains open and allow the required amount of air to the lungs. The consultant can recommend the CPAP device for a patient of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep Disturbance and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a common issue for most of the international population. However, the specific finding directly related to sleep disorders is still unknown. But it is also a fact that noise pollution causes a grave disturbance in sleep. Noise whether it is due to road traffic, air traffic or even public place, it causes a disturbance in sleep. A dark and quiet place is ideal for sleep which refreshes your body organs and systems. Noise disturbs your sleep and impairs the functions of body systems that are associated with different stages of sleep.

Sources of noise pollution causing sleep disturbance

Noise can disturb your sleep at any stage. The severity of disturbance depends on the nature and period of exposure. In daily life, we face different types of noise pollution. However, the nocturnal noise is the most dangerous because it affects our routine sleep which is necessary to refresh body systems and to process the memory. Usually, we are exposed to three types of noise. An intermittent noise caused by road traffic. Every passing by vehicle leaves noise along with other environmental pollution. More traffic produces more severe noise. A sleeping place near to the public gatherings like amusement parks, concert halls also impairs sleep.

Air traffic is also a cause of sleep disturbance for the people who live in the aircraft conduit areas. The noise during landing and takeoff creates disturbance in sleep. The noise produced by industrial machinery is one of the major noise pollution of the current era. The industrial noise pollution also affects the sleep of the resident population of those particular areas. Although, the people get used to with the routine noise; however, it leaves long turn sleep disorders to the people who are continuously exposed to the noise. Open railway traffic also a major source of noise pollution for the general public residing close to the railway track.

How does noise ruin your sleep?

Noise impairs sleep in different ways. The continuous noise irritates the sensory systems which usually go on rest during sleep. The disturbance of sensory systems leaves bad effects on sleep in different ways. For example, the brain registers and processes the memory during sleep. Due to noise, the brain cannot perform this action which is directly associated with different stages of sleep. So, the continuous noise is also a factor of sleep deprivation because you cannot go in a deep sleep. The intermittent noise causes sudden awaking from any stage of sleep. Along with awakening, the air traffic sound also impairs the hearing sense. The effect of high pitch sound is more harmful during sleep than awake.

Effect of sleep disturbance on body systems

The above-mentioned sources of noise are unavoidable for every person in society. The noise leaves short term or long term effects on our different body systems. The sleep is helpful for the proper functioning of endocrine and metabolic processes in the body. The perturbation of these functions further causes impairment of cardio-metabolic and psychiatric disorders. The impairment of cardio-metabolic function leads to different types of mood disorders. Stress and different types of biological changes are the outcomes of nocturnal sleep disturbance.

As per research, the heart rate slowdowns during sleep. The sudden awakening with noise necessitates the sudden increase in the heart rate. This effect on noise on the heart generates different types of cardiovascular problems.

The effects of noise pollution on the sensory systems also leave different types of psychiatric problems on sufferers. Prolonged stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are also the known outcomes of deprivation of sleep.

The disturbance in the digestive system is associated with sleep. The quiet deep sleep allows the digestive system to work properly.

Recommendations:

The above discussion proves that noise pollution is a solid cause of sleep disturbance. Especially, the disturbance of nocturnal sleep leaves more adverse effects on human health. Therefore, exposure to noise during sleep should be minimized or avoided.

Sleeping in the dark and soundless room is preferably recommended. However, if a suitable environment is not accessible, the earmuffs can reduce the effects of noise. The other measures to reduce the intensity of noise can be practiced as per the availability. The basic aim of taking measures is to avoid or minimize the effects of noise pollution.

Sleep Disturbance with Smartphone and Tablet

The purpose of this post is to highlight the sleep disorders caused by the misuse of the Smartphone. No doubt, Smartphone is a handy and useful device to access the information. Being a portable device, it keeps you connected 24/7. However, misuse of this useful invention is causing different types of sleep disorders, especially in the young generation. Over the night use of Smartphone ruin the sleep of user which results in sleeping daytime. In the subsequent paragraphs, you will read about the possible health issues especially sleep disorders associated with misuse of smartphones and tablets.

How do Smartphones impair your sleep?

The smartphone is a useful device with lots of applications of daily use. However, most of the people use this device beyond the requirements. The first impact of the excessive use of this electronic device affects your sleep. The following bullet points highlight the factors affecting sleep with the use of a Smartphone.

v    Sleep is impaired with excessive use. Many youngsters use tablets and smartphones to play different types of games. Along with the judicial use of getting information, the students spend the additional time on the smart devices. The time specified for sleep is used to play games that cause deprivation of sleep.

v    The blue light with a short wavelength is not only dangerous for eyesight but it also impairs your sleep as well. Continuous watching the blue light screen disturbs the body hormone (melatonin) which maintains the sleep and wake cycles.

v    Smartphone and tablets provide uninterrupted connectivity through social media websites. Connecting with new friends and business partners in overseas countries is the best feature of these smart devices. However, this connectivity urges people to stay connected without caring for their sleep. Even many people have been found sleeping with headphones in ears. This practice leads to sleep deprivation which further generates different types of sleep disorders.

v    Uninterrupted use of smartphones can also cause depression and anxiety due to different reasons. Breakup is one of the social issues which cause depression/anxiety. And 24/7 connectivity is one of the major reasons for a breakup.

v    The music lovers also misuse the Smartphone. Many youngsters have been found listening to music in bed. This practice also leads to sleep deprivation in youngsters.

v    Smartphone is also harmful to babies. The rays and light produced from the screen also disturb the children's sleep.

Measures to be taken to regularize sleep

Considering the proverb “excess of everything is bad” the use of smartphones and tablets should be restricted only to the requirements. The needs for using the devices vary with different communities. However, daily sleep hours must strictly be observed. Every elderly need 6-8 hours of deep sleep that never should be compromised. The use of screen filters must be ensured to minimize the effects of blue light. The researches prove that the use of the phone in laying position shifts more rays to the eyes. So, staring at the screen in the bed must be avoided.

Sleep Disorders and Seizures

Connection between sleep disorders and seizures

The connection between sleep disorders and seizures is still unknown. The studies conducted in different regions and age groups showed the dissimilar results. Even the percentage of females and males suffered sleep loss due seizures varies in different researches. A detailed study carried out in Oman between 2011 and 2012, does not show the clear link between sleep disorders and seizures. During this study, 100 people with epilepsy were selected to find out the relation between seizures and sleep. Another study showed 10% adults and 20% children with epilepsy were found with obstructive sleep apnea which is known a serious sleep disorder. Moreover, 30% of the patients with drug-resistance epilepsy were found with obstructive sleep apnea.

Factors showing links between sleep disorders and seizures:

Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, OSA (Obstructive sleep apnea) also causes metabolic disorders. Although, the direct connection between sleep disorders and seizures is undefined; however, the complications caused by OSA may lead to sleep issues. The cardiovascular and metabolic disorders may increase the risk of seizures in already developed epileptic patients. Sleep deprivation and intermittent hypoxia caused by obstructive sleep apnea may also increase the frequency of seizures. The increased frequency of seizures also leads to sleep disorders.

Precautionary measures for the patients

The solid connection between sleep disorders and seizures is unknown. Whether there is no specific study to link the sleep disorders and fits or I could not find the reasonable material. However, the above mentioned possibilities prove that increased frequency of seizures can cause sleep problems in the patients. Usually, the epileptic patients suffer a lot due to irregular fits. The sleep deprivation and fragmentation may further aggravate the condition of the patients. Therefore, it is recommended that the epileptic patients should be given regular medication to prevent the seizures. It will helpful for the patients to improve his/her sleep.