--- title: The Dangerous Effects of Sleep Deprivation description: Not getting enough sleep? Consequences include lack of concentration, poor attention, increased risk of diseases, and even death image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/sleep-deprived-man.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [The Dangerous Effects of Sleep Deprivation](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Jun 4, 2015 8:00:00 AM ![sleep-deprived-man](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sleep-deprived-man.jpg?width=415&name=sleep-deprived-man.jpg) We're pretty sure you don't need us to tell you about the causes of sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep is a prevalent, nationwide problem. Everyone has felt sleep-deprived at one point, and **1 in 5 adults** **regularly does not receive enough sleep1. ** But what are the real effects, to your body and mind, of not getting the [recommended amount of sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/new-guidelines-how-much-sleep-do-you-need)? You may be tempted to brush off a lack of sleep, thinking that it's nothing a [cup of coffee](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/foods-that-are-good-for-your-sleep-or-not) won't cure. But the effects of sleep deprivation are nothing to yawn at.   # Consequences of Not Getting Enough Sleep There are many causes of sleep deprivation, but the negative effects are across the board.  ## Short-Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation Whether it is staying up a bit late or getting up too early, a few missing hours of sleep can have a strong effect on your health. Some of the short-term effects include: - Mood problems: Irritability, anxiety, lack of motivation, or depression - Lack of energy - Lack of concentration - [Forgetfulness](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-napping-improves-your-memory) - Longer reaction times - Poor decision-making - [Impulse to overeat](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/one-trick-for-not-overeating-this-holiday-get-more-sleep) In fact, the effect of sleep deprivation on mental and physical performance is so pronounced that repeated studies have shown that [being sleep-deprived is just as bad as being drunk](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/driving-drowsy-vs-driving-drunk).  ## Long-Term Effects of Sleep Deprivation Sleep deprivation can cause or exacerbate physical or mental health conditions. Long-term sleep deprivation puts you at increased risk of: - [High blood pressure](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-sleep-apnea-damages-heart-health) - Heart attacks - [Obesity](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/one-trick-for-not-overeating-this-holiday-get-more-sleep) - [Type 2 Diabetes](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/sleep-apnea-leads-to-increased-risk-of-diabetes) - [Infertility](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/infertility-and-sleep-disorders-a-proven-link) - Psychosis - [Memory Loss](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/how-does-sleep-apnea-impact-the-brain) - Suppressed Immune Response - Brain damage - Death, indirectly Wait, hold on--does that mean that not sleeping enough can actually kill you? The short answer is yes--in very, very severe situations (such as the instance of the [World Cup fan](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/world-cup-fan-dies-of-sleep-deprivation-how-dangerous-is-it) who died after staying up several nights in a row). However, sleep deprivation has also been found to increase mortality in general. A [group of 3 studies](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/) conducted in 2002-2004 with large populations of people found that **people who slept 5 or fewer hours per day (versus a baseline of seven) faced a 15% higher mortality rate from all causes**. If anything, that should be convincing evidence of the toll that sleep deprivation takes on the body.  ## Reasons for Insufficient Sleep There are many causes for sleep deprivation. [Stress](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/bedtime-yoga-to-help-you-sleep), a [sleep disorder](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-disorders), an [irregular work schedule](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/working-late-watch-out-for-shift-work-disorder), or even a disruptive [midnight snack](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/what-to-eat-before-bed) could be cutting short your zzzs. Unfortunately, sleep-deprivation can also be self-imposed. Some people stay up late on purpose because they want to get more work done, spend time on [electronics](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/5-tips-to-keep-electronics-out-of-the-bedroom-and-sleep-better), use coffee as a crutch, or don't recognize the importance of sleep. Don't let this be you! Avoid the poor effects of sleep by checking these [recommended sleep guides](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/new-guidelines-how-much-sleep-do-you-need), and setting a regular sleep schedule to make sure you get the hours you need.  **Do you get enough sleep, or do you struggle to get your 7-8 hours/night? How do you feel when you don't sleep enough? Comment and share!** [![Sleepiness quiz](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/299691/841d7abd-e39e-4be3-8485-3b934d9a8041.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/299691/841d7abd-e39e-4be3-8485-3b934d9a8041) [Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/la_farfalla_22/6270015312/in/photolist-ay4t7h-ahoaPS-pBTVN-93HrNy-5SyvV-5xZRKL-9XL8kv-91ZtoD-Sk3KZ-5tA2xN-5iH5Uj-rMpzpP-8HcDqX-X7upA-nUqxta-e4NMds-7a3RZP-agw1NG-qeWVzS-m31NJy-4GiGZ1-9T4Hz3-4vhaBk-4tdVA1-bubYo2-65JvBh-79DXip-n2HCC-7C5UX-47p2jq-akRjgB-4skD5z-9EwnDt-5ntXue-7yszEk-bqXowP-iXbkNY-ms6JGn-8F37Ne-qUnQUq-fQepo-q9XHEy-7KYM3J-5kysVs-73UMWF-9sRr9Y-jz67Dn-4ARYZ9-4ARBMN-bx1skR/) Sources: 1. [American Academy of Sleep Medicine](http://www.aasmnet.org/resources/factsheets/sleepdeprivation.pdf).  Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=The%20Dangerous%20Effects%20of%20Sleep%20Deprivation) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fthe-dangerous-effects-of-sleep-deprivation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.