The Undeclared Epidemic: Physical Consequences

The Undelcared Epidemic: Sleep Deprivation

I have attempted to eliminate the scientific jargon in order to clearly communicate the physical impact of sleep deprivation. This post represents an overview of what is in the current research literature of sleep medicine. I am more than happy to respond to individual requests of clarification.

There is ample scientific evidence to support the conclusion that sleep is an essential physiological need state that must be satisfied to ensure survival. Chronic sleep restriction (deprivation) is frequently experienced due to medical conditions, sleep disorders, work demands, social and domestic responsibilities and life style.  This blog post is based on recent research on the effects of chronic sleep deprivation on physiological functioning relative to implications for health and safety.

Physical Consequence of Sleep Deprivation

Recent medical studies have found that both relative long sleepers (greater than 8 hours per day) and relatively short sleepers (less than 7 hours per day) had increased risks of all-cause mortality. There is evidence that reduced sleep deprivation is associated with larger body mass index (BMI). Studies involving sleep deprivation in healthy adults suggest some mechanisms by which sleep duration may influence obesity, morbidity and mortality.

A range of physical indicators have been found to be altered by reduced sleep time. Several studies have reported an increased incidence and risk of medical disorders and health dysfunction related to shift work schedules, which circadian (sleep-wake cycle) disruption and sleep disturbance. Short-term sleep deprivation results in a number of abnormal physical changes, including reduced glucose tolerance (diabetes onset), increased blood pressure, activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response), reduced leptin levels and increase inflammatory markers (bodily swelling). The results of these studies produced modest results; however, he changes provide a potential mechanism whereby long term sleep deprivation may negatively affect health. Please do not rely on this information alone to assess you sleep hygiene, consult a medical professional trained in sleep medicine for an individual evaluation.