Although most of us understand the importance of sleep, many of us still don’t reach the recommended amount. Between busy schedules, stress, and a long to-do list, many contributing factors can cause us to miss out on that much-needed sleep.
If you find yourself in a zombie-like state, we mean tiredness, brain fog, and mood changes, you might be suffering from sleep deprivation. It’s more common than you may think too! To better understand what sleep deprivation is, let’s explore the common symptoms and causes, and what you can do to treat it.
What Is Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation is a major problem that affects around one-third of American adults, says the Sleep Foundation. It’s “a problem that has only worsened in recent years,” continues the source. So, what is sleep deprivation exactly?
In short, sleep deprivation is defined as not getting adequate total sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, weight gain or loss, and can negatively impact the body in a variety of ways. Not getting adequate sleep can also take a toll on your day-to-day life affecting work, school, and your ability to function.