Can You Die From Sleep Deprivation? Here Are The Facts

These days, it’s difficult to make time for everything, and most people make a compromise by sleeping less.

That can be dangerous. Sleep experts recommend at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. However, not many people comply with this advice.

Keep reading to discover interesting facts about sleep deprivation and how lack of sleep can lead to death.

Can Sleep Deprivation Kill?

Can sleep deprivation kill you or is six hours of sleep enough? Currently, there are no studies to support this.

However, lack of sleep can increase the risk of accidents and diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and anxiety, leading to death in the long run.

Here are quick facts about sleep deprivation.

Lack of Sleep Can Cause Accidents

According to a study, lack of sleep causes cognitive impairments and impacts motor performance, similar to alcohol intoxication.

Therefore, it can affect your ability to concentrate on your everyday activities. If you’re driving a car, it can slow down your reactions and impair your judgment about situations.

Six or fewer hours of sleep can increase the risk of accidents and put you on the wrong side of the law.  You may require legal representation should this happen.

Ultimately, a good night’s sleep can save your life and that of others.

Lack Of Sleep Can Increase The Risk Of Obesity

Lack of sleep can cause hormonal imbalances in the body. For example, it affects the hormone leptin, which is responsible for a feeling of fullness.

It also raises the levels of ghrelin levels which is a hunger hormone that makes you eat more. Eating unhealthy diets such as fast food and sugars can cause obesity and related illnesses like hypertension.

According to the National Institute of Health, being overweight or obese is a significant cause of death in the US.

Lack of Sleep Can Increase Risk of Chronic Illnesses

Research suggests that failure to get enough sleep can lead to long-term health issues. The following illnesses are associated with chronic sleep deprivation.

The link between sleep deprivation and these chronic illnesses reduces the quality of life.

Lack Of Sleep Can Lead To Anxiety And Depression

Most people who lack sleep experience anxiety, which spurs a cycle of insomnia and depression. Anxiety disorder is a mental problem that leads to deterioration in the quality of life.

Depression can lead to underperformance in school and work and negatively impact your relationships.

Even worse, it’s a leading cause of suicide as more people take their own life due to a lack of treatment or therapy.

Chronic depressive disorder can lead to prolonged brain inflammation, whereby the brain cells die. Subsequently, it leads to brain degeneration diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Conclusion

Even though short sleep moments have been associated with premature death, the study has been less conclusive. Nonetheless, it’s essential to be aware of sleep deprivation’s risk factors and effects since these can cause death.

Without a doubt, good sleeping habits, eating well, and socializing are essential in improving the condition. Lastly, medical help is recommended for chronic sleep deprivation.