That groggy feeling after a poor night’s sleep is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what sleep deprivation does to the brain. Getting enough sleep is important for one’s mental health, immune function, hormone regulation, and memory consolidation.
There are three pillars of health: nutrition, physical exercise, and sleep. Each pillar is interconnected, and depriving any one of them can result in serious health consequences.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “an increase in sleep deprivation raises the risk of colorectal cancer by 36%, increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, and raises the risk of developing heart disease by 48%.” However, this only skims the surface of the side effects.
In an article by the American Medical Association, the authors state, “Many people can’t imagine starting their day without a cup of coffee or tea.”
Caffeine, a chemical stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao, can boost alertness and inhibit the sleep-inducing effects of adenosine. However, exceeding 400 mg per day can cause digestive issues and high degrees of heightened anxiety.
For healthy individuals, boosts in blood pressure and heart rate might not be an issue. Yet, for someone with a pre-existing heart condition, caffeine can cause fast and irregular heart rhythms, which may lead to cardiac arrest.
Not only does sleep deprivation affect bodily functions, but it also affects your mental health.
Even so, sleeplessness can impact healthy people and can increase distress and a range of other ailments.
According to the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, “Those with mental health disorders are even more likely to experience chronic sleep problems and, in turn, these sleep problems are likely to exacerbate psychiatric symptoms.”
When sleeping, the brain creates new pathways to help individuals learn and remember information. Good-quality sleep can improve one’s problem-solving skills, which influence obstacle overcoming, decision-making, and innovative thinking.
Yet cultural standards neglect sleep and promote a “hustle” lifestyle. Social demands, such as school or work, can strain a person’s ability to get enough sleep.
Abby Berg, a CHS junior, shared reasons as to why she is unable to get enough sleep each night.
“Usually studying for a test or doing homework, and maybe every once in a while staying up on my phone,” said Berg.
Oftentimes, schoolwork can pile up, and strict deadlines lead students to sacrifice sleep in exchange for good grades. Additionally, seeking calm after stressful days is something countless do to wind down.
In recent years, societal pressures have weighed on individuals. The 9-5 has become a hallmark of American life. As the cost of living increases, the middle class has to make ends meet to get by. Whilst students have to juggle extracurriculars, grades, and personal life, on top of that expected to provide their own income. As a result, many sacrifice sleep for a solution to stress. However, the burden never truly subsides, and without enough sleep, neither the stress nor one’s well-being improves.
