Sleep Deprivation and Its Consequences

Sleep deprivation, also known as sleep insufficiency, occurs when internal and external sleep-disrupting factors lead to the inadequate duration, continuity, regularity, stability and quality of sleep for >3months, leading to the development of physiologic, neurobehavioral problems, reduced quality of life and increased mortality.⁷

Sleep deprivation causing excessive daytime sleepiness is relatively high among Canadian adults, with approximately 1/3 of individuals sleeping fewer hours per night than recommended for optimal physical and mental health.¹⁰ Sleep deprivation is elevated in professional environments with extended work hours, rotating or shift work, and increased job-related stress.⁷

Both short-term and long-term sleep deprivation lead to the development of physiologic and neurobehavioral problems, reduced quality of life and increased mortality.⁷

Consequences include but are not limited to ⁷:

Neuropsychiatric Consequences

  • Impaired memory, judgement and decision making

  • Difficulty with focus and concentration

  • Irritability

  • Delirium

  • Psychosis

  • Suicidal behaviour

  • Circadian disruption

  • Hallucinations

  • Impulsivity

  • Decreased pain tolerance / increased pain sensitivity

  • Increased risk of:

    • Seizures

    • Strokes

    • Headaches

    • Alzheimer’s Disease

Medical Consequences

  • Genetic

  • Cardiovascular

  • Respiratory

  • Gastrointestinal

  • Metabolic

  • Endocrine

  • Immune

  • Dermatologic

  • Musculoskeletal

  • Renal

  • Urologic

  • Reproductive

  • Oncologic

Treatment of sleep deprivation involves identifying and addressing (whenever possible) the factors contributing to sleep insufficiency, and implementing healthy sleep practices.

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Sleep Apnea