Sleep deprivation is a condition that occurs when an individual consistently fails to get the amount of sleep needed. For most adults, this means getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep per night. About one-third of Australians are thought to be sleep deprived. It can result from lifestyle factors, work, environmental factors or other chronic medical conditions.
The effects of sleep deprivation can impact various systems and processes throughout the body. Short-term consequences include fatigue, daytime sleepiness, irritability, and impaired cognitive functions such as difficulty concentrating, remembering, and slowed reaction times. Sleep deficiency can also interfere with work, school, driving, and social functioning. Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to significant health problems, including an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even early mortality. It can also weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and reducing the effectiveness of vaccines. Furthermore, sleep deprivation is closely linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
