Sleep is one of the central pillars of maintaining well-being and health. Nearly all animals need regular sleep to keep their essential systems functioning. On the same token, consistently receiving low or no amounts of sleep can be absolutely disastrous for one’s health. Specifically, many people wonder if insufficient sleep is fatal. In very extreme cases, one can die from the complications of the associated health risks if they are not able to ever fall asleep. If you have been suffering from a lack of sleep and are interested in resolving this issue, take a look at this guide that outlines some of the ways that sleep and health are interconnected.
What Constitutes Insufficient Sleep?
The amount of sleep that any individual needs can be quite variable. That said, most healthy adults need something between 6-8 hours of healthy sleep. If one consistently skimps on the amount of sleep that they receive, they can end up suffering many different health problems.
Is Insufficient Sleep Fatal?
Should an individual experience a lack of sleep for an extended period, they could eventually die from the complications associated with prolonged wakefulness. Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on the physiological systems of the body. The bodily functions that sleep deprivation can negatively impact include the body’s:
- Ability to conserve and store energy
- Ability to repair and recover from daily activities
- Ability to reorganize the information in one’s brain
A lack of sleep impacts people after missing even just a fraction of their regular hours. This can impact one through issues like:
- Lack of full daytime alertness
- Mood swings and general agitation
- An inability to perform simple day-to-day tasks
As you can imagine, these issues become much more pronounced if chronic sleep loss becomes an issue. It should be noted that it is rare for an individual to die purely from lack of sleep. Rather, it is the associated health risks that pose a more tangible threat to one’s long-term health.
Running the Risk of Long-term Health Effects
Long-term sleep loss can result in very severe physical and psychological health consequences. Some of the psychological health consequences that can develop from sleep deprivation after just 3 days include:
- Psychosis
- Delusion thinking
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
It is also important to note the phenomenon of fatal familial insomnia, also known as sporadic fatal insomnia. This condition can cause a person to die from a lack of sleep. Your sleep specialist will be able to determine whether this condition is contributing to your case of insomnia.
Cosmetic Impacts of Sleep Loss
Before your life becomes threatened, chronic sleep loss can also contribute to unpleasant cosmetic issues. Some of the common issues associated with this include:
- Pale skin
- Red eyes
- Swollen eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Dark undereye circles
In addition, some studies have noticed a link between lack of sleep and the amount of cortisol in one’s body. This can lead to a more rapid aging process, as well as the development of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, the following side effects have been observed:
- A weakened immune system
- Weight gain
- High-stress levels
- Increased risk of developing chronic cardiovascular disease
Treating Sleep Deprivation
There are several different methods available for combating sleep deprivation. Some of the methods employed will vary depending on the severity of the condition at hand. Some steps that you can take include:
- Attempting to go to sleep at an earlier hour
- Limit the amount of alcohol that you consume
- Create an effective nighttime routine
- Power down the tech prior to going to bed
If none of the above methods are able to make an impact on your sleep schedule, then you may find that you will need to employ more uncompromising methods to attempt to get to sleep. This may include the use of medication.
You can consult with your sleep physician about the steps you can take on a personal level to try to achieve a more consistent sleep schedule. A professional will be able to make recommendations based on the more specific nuances of your case.
The Best Sleep Doctor in NYC
Sleep MD NYC is one of the best resources available for those who are interested in improving the quality and quantity of their sleep with a sleep apnea doctor. If you are having difficulty sleeping and would like to talk to a professional regarding your circumstances, contact the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla today.
