What Does Sleep Deprivation Do to Your Brain?

What Does Sleep Deprivation Do to Your Brain?

If you have ever had a rough night sleeping, you have probably felt some of the impact that sleep can have on your wellbeing. Without enough sleep, you might spend the next day feeling achy, cranky, and sluggish, and these effects will only worsen over time. When sleep apnea or other sleep disorders rob you of your nightly sleep, you may be suffering from significant neurological damage, some of which is irreversible. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment for sleep disorders sooner rather than later. Read on to understand what sleep deprivation could be doing to your brain without treatment for sleep apnea.
Physical Damage
Comparing MRI images of the brains of individuals who get enough sleep and those who are sleep deprived, it can be seen that blood flow and metabolism are reduced in sections of the brain in sleep deprived individuals. It is not entirely clear what sleep does to the brain and why it is so important for neurological health, but it is known that missing out on sleep causes direct damage to brain cells.
Mental Side Effects
Sleep deprivation may not cause the same symptoms in all people, since various parts of the brain can sustain damage. Below you can see some of the examples of common symptoms in people who regularly do not get enough sleep. These range from cognitive to emotional and behavioral effects, indicating that a lack of sleep can cause widespread issues for your health.
 

  • Difficulty focusing
  • Reduced cognitive function—trouble completing tasks involving critical thinking
  • Shorter attention span
  • Loss of emotional control
  • Longer reaction times
  • Frequent confusion
  • Forgetfulness
  • Irritability and anxiety
  • Diminished arousal