Issues that may be attached to insufficient sleep.
Please turn your attention to the many issues that may be attached to insufficient sleep. Have you (or anyone you know) ever experienced significant periods of sleep deprivation because of simple insomnia, high levels of stress, or a side effect of medication? (you can think of other reasons, as well) What were the consequences of missing out on sleep?
Sample Answer
Insufficient sleep can have a number of negative consequences, including:
- Increased risk of accidents: When you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to make mistakes, which can lead to accidents. For example, one study found that people who were sleep-deprived were twice as likely to be involved in car accidents.
- Reduced cognitive function: Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, which is the process of storing new memories. When you’re sleep-deprived, your ability to learn and remember new information is impaired.
- Increased risk of chronic diseases: Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Mood disturbances: Sleep deprivation can lead to mood disturbances, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression.
- Increased risk of death: Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of death. One study found that people who slept less than 6 hours per night were 1.7 times more likely to die prematurely than people who slept 7-8 hours per night.