Chronic Sleep Deprivation Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation include physical as well as behavioral changes. Here is detailed information on chronic sleep deprivation or insomnia.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation, or chronic insomnia, is the lack of adequate amount of sleep. It can be involuntary as a form of a disorder in certain people. On the other hand, it is also a form of psychological torture when a person is forcibly deprived of sleep. Sleep deprivation can be chronic as well as acute. Frequent sleep deprivation can become chronic and has long term health hazards. Let us take a look at the causes of chronic sleep deprivation.
Causes
The commonest cause of sleep deprivation is stress caused due to different reasons like job related, family related or financial responsibilities. Similarly anxiety or excessive worry can also cause sleep deprivation. Any psychological disorder or undiagnosed medical condition can lead to either long hours of sleep or very little sleep in people. The other causes of chronic sleep deprivation are:
- Nightmares
- Menopause
- Insecurity (mostly in children and teens)
- Mania
Due to the several causes, very few people get adequate amount of sleep everyday. Most of the time, people are not aware that they are deprived of sleep. They experience typical symptoms, but, fail to relate them to sleep deprivation. It is very essential for people to identify chronic sleep deprivation symptoms as soon as possible. The following are physical changes related to sleep deprivation.
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Feeling sleepy during daytime
- Bodyache
- Dizziness
- Lack of energy
- Drowsiness
- Constant yawning
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Inability to concentrate
- Intolerance
- Delusions
- Paranoia
Due to changing sleeping patterns or improper lifestyle, numerous teenagers face sleep deprivation. Although they may not be aware, but it may cause serious long term health hazards. Parent should look out for the following symptoms in children and teens.
- Poor scholastic performance
- Lack of interest in any activity
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Unable to concentrate and memorize
As mentioned above, sleep deprivation has several negative effects on our body. Frequent sleep deprivation has a direct ill effect on the human brain and the digestive system. It can impair a person's problem solving, thinking and understanding ability. A sleep deprived person is also on a high risk of getting diseases like severe depression, Alzheimer's disease or even schizophrenia. Similarly, there are high chances of suffering from digestive and gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and hypertension. Sleep deprivation can affect the overall personality and performance of a person and it can directly affect his work, relations, and sex life. Most of the time, sleep deprived people are found to get addicted to drugs that cause the feeling of excitement in them. They also start relying on drugs for energy and alertness.
Treatment
In order to avoid all the aforementioned dangers of sleep deprivation, one should first identify sleep deprivation symptoms and try to overcome it. As stress is the main culprit for causing sleep deprivation, one should try to reduce stress by using several stress management and relaxation techniques. Change in lifestyle or environment also helps in treating sleep deprivation. On the other hand, psychological disorders or insomnia can be treated with the help of medications. If sleep deprivation persists for more than a few days, you should consult a doctor who will diagnose the cause and treat it.
One should remember that understanding and treating chronic sleep deprivation symptoms is very essential for preventing this condition and maintaining good health. The following quote says it all:
"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book" ~ Irish Proverb
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