The Effects Of Sleep Disorders

How many nights have you stayed up late working, studying, binge watching Netflix or you just could not fall asleep? How many times have you regretted it the next morning? You have probably made yourself a cup—or three cups—of coffee, or made time for a little power nap during your break, but no matter how many naps or cups of coffee, the fatigue always seemed to creep back up on you. It is most likely that you are suffering from sleep deficiency. The amount of sleep that a person needs changes depending on their age. On average, teens need around 9 hours of sleep while adults should get 7-8 hours (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). In recent years, sleep deficiency has become a common health problem; almost a third of adults …show more content…
Sleep is essential for the health and function of the brain. Not receiving enough sleep instantly effects the way the brain operates, therefore, impairing an individual’s mental well-being. Psychological effects that a person may experience include trouble learning, focusing, and reacting. For children and teens, these effects can develop into attention deficits which can make them inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive (Smith, Robinson & Segal, 2016). “The main symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder […] are also symptoms of sleep deficiency” (Tasdelen, Karakaya, Kahraman & Oztop , 2015). Typically, children and teens who do not get enough sleep and suffer from ADHD struggle in school and simple tasks that require their attention. This can cause them to perform poorly within their course work and create stress. Teens and even adults may exhibit behavioral problems or mood swings because of not getting enough sleep or the stress that comes with sleep deficiency. Not getting the adequate amount of sleep for one night can make a person irritable, while continuous nights can have noticeable effects on a person’s overall …show more content…
Short term effects of sleep deficiency include tension headaches, body aches, acne and overall fatigue. When someone suffers from a sleeping disorder or has continuously deprived themselves of sleep they are at a high risk for developing long term severe problems. Sleep is involved in the health and healing of the heart and blood vessels, as well as the metabolism and immune systems (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2012). Poor sleep quality has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure which is a major factor that can lead to cardiovascular disease (American Heart Association, n.d.). Sleep Apnea, a sleeping disorder, can also lead to high blood pressure and eventual heart disease (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2000). Along with heart problems, sleep deficiency is linked to obesity. According to Rangaraj & Knutson, “Experimental studies of SR have demonstrated an effect of short sleep on markers of positive energy balance such as decreased EE, increased feelings of hunger and appetite, increased food intake, and changes in appetite-regulating hormones. The effects of acute sleep curtailment on energy homeostasis could lead to weight gain overtime if sleep loss is extended for longer periods”. Sleep helps maintain a balance of hormones that make you feel