Total Sleep Deprivation Studies
Sleep Loss Effects on Brain
I have written various articles about sleep, but now there is a new study that shows what sleep loss does to your brain and cognition brain function. The Oxford dictionary defines cognition as “the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.”
A 2014 sleep study stated 35% of American adults rated their sleep quality as poor or fair and 45% said they had trouble falling asleep. Another 53% state they have trouble staying asleep and 40% reported snoring was a problem.
Adequate sleep is considered to be the most important thing we can do for ourselves, that is more important than exercise and diet. When your body is asleep a vast amount of housekeeping is done, so your brain needs sleep more than your body does. One study said: “Sleep loss is no longer considered an emblem of productivity or success.” Chronically losing sleep will prevent you from being able to do essential work efficiently.
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
— Benjamin Franklin
Michigan State University Study
This first study was done by Michigan State University and it named the ‘effects of total sleep deprivation (DST)’. The researchers worked with 140 tested people who were well rested. They had 77 people stay awake all night in the lab and 63 people went home to sleep normally. The researchers then administered tests after this one night of sleep deprivation. The researchers were particularly interested in the subject’s ability to pay attention as this is necessary to perform multiple tasks.
The two tests were:
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The Psychomotor Vigilance Task measuring attention
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The UNRAVEL method “a measure of placekeeping, a higher-order process that involves memory operations and supports performance in a wide range of complex tasks”
They were tested in the evening, and they again the following morning. The sleep deprived people performed much worse on both tests. The UNRAVEL evening test had a 15% error rate but the sleep deprived had a 30% error rate. The rested group’s tests results were the same on both occasions.
In addition, the sleep deprived people had numerous lapses of attention. The placekeeping errors doubled and the lapses in attention tripled for the sleep deprived people. One of the researchers stated that not every task we attempt suffers from sleep deprivation, but many do in multiple areas. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a serious cognitive decline and dementia over the long term.
University of South Florida Study
The University of South Florida study surveyed 130 employees working in the information technology field. They also had to have at least one school-aged child to participate in the study. The subjects reported that 16 minutes less sleep than usual resulted in worse quality sleep, and they had more cognitive issues during the following day. Poor sleep resulted in increased stress, particularly when trying to balance work and home.
This study found empirical evidence as to why workplaces need to make more effort to promote their employee’s sleep. People that sleep well stay focused and on-task with fewer errors or even interpersonal conflicts. They also found that the consequences of less sleep was not as apparent when the employee had the next day off from work.
These Sleep Experts Explain How to Get the Best Rest
Does Weekend Extra Sleep Help?
It is possible to sleep more on the weekends to make up for lost sleep but the journal of Current Biology stated that weekend sleep puts people at risk for gaining weight. When people catch extra hours on the weekend they snack more than usual and also have an increased risk for diabetes.
Final Thoughts
When people are sleep-deprived they must exercise caution in everything they do because errors may occur at work and even when driving a motor vehicle. Errors can have severe consequences. Studies of adults and children with sleep deprivation has shown a development for some types of psychiatric disorders.
Some people need 8 hours of sleep and others might need 6 hours, so it is important to establish a routine of going to bed at the same time each night to determine how many hours of sleep you need. Try to find what works for you as some people feel good as early risers and others are night owls. Each person has to figure out what routine fits into their schedule, so they feel rested and they can be productive each day without too much stress.
What Would Happen if You Didn’t Sleep?
References
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190423133605.htm
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-70149-001?doi=1
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327108.php#1
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191121183923.htm
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/weekend-catch-cant-counter-chronic-sleep-deprivation
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2019 Pamela Oglesby
Related
Comments
AUTHORHi Rajan,
I agree with you about a good night's sleep. It is so important in order to feel well. Thank you for your comments.
The effects of total or partial sleep deprivation are really bad. It does make sense to sleep well each night if we are to remain sane well into old age. Thanks for sharing this information.
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Hi Peggy, I think most of us are guilty of not making a helthy choice regarding bedtime. I also think things are different since social media came along.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
This is vital information to know. I think that in past days before computers, etc., people probably got better sleep. Some of the problems with sleep deprivation occur because of our lifestyles. It is up to us to develop good sleep habits. I know that I am guilty of not keeping regular bedtimes.
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Hi Dolores, I have never heard that but I wonder. We had the tonsils and adenoids removed with my oldest son when he was about 5. He was not a behavior problem but he was thein and sick with a lot. A few weeks after that he looked and stayed healthier, plus he gained weight. He wasn't missing school anymore either. So, that is my personal experience.
Thank you so much for the information and comments.
Hi recall reading a study where they found that some children who had their adenoids and tonsils removed were suddenly better behaved at school. Before the surgery, the kids had not been sleeping enough and the sleep loss seemed to have caused behavior issues.
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Hi Maria, I am glad you found this article helpful. Sleep for nurses can be a problem. I worked different shifts as required and having a good sleep plan is tough. I hope the article helps your students.
I appreciate your your very nice comments. Have a very Merry Christmas, Maria. Love and hugs.
Dear Pamela,
A good night's sleep is a gift, one that I never take for granted.
I am tucking this article away for when the semester starts up again.
The great majority of my nursing students struggle with a regular sleep pattern. This truly is a Catch-22 situation. Hoping this article will penetrate their thought processes. Informative - a must-read!
Love and thanks,
Maria
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Hi Flourish, i remember those days of very little sleep also. I think this is a very good new study so people will realize how important a night's sleep can be each and every night. I appreciate your comments.
This has important implications for workers who work double shifts, soldiers, or doctors in training. Of course, it also impacts new parents. I recall those days with exceedingly little sleep.
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Hi Davika, It is surely good for you to get enough sleep so that you feel good Thank you for your comments.
Interesting about sleep deprivations. I need a good sleep to function well without the required amount of sleep I become moody and irritable.
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Hi Lora, I agree that having a consistent bedtime is half the battle for a good nights sleep. Thank you for your generous comments.
Sleep deprivation impacts our mental and physical health and our ability to function as well as our emotions. The importance of sleep cannot be emphasized enough. Consistency in going to bed at the same time every night seems to be a key factor in helping us get all the stages of sleep that we require. Excellent article, Pamela! I found the sleep study that they did at Michigan State really interesting and learned much from watching the videos too. Thanks for sharing such important information.
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Hi Chitrangada, It is not always easy when to sleep well when you are stressed. I am glad you found this article informative. Thank you for your comments
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Hi Rajan Singh, Yes, I agree with you and I think many people have come to that conclusion. Thank you for your comments.
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Hi Ruby, I am glad to hear your sleep well, and I lost sleep frequently as an RN also. I appreciate your very nice comments.
Thank goodness, I sleep well. I remember when I was in R.N. training ( many years ago ) I didn't sleep well, I would get out of bed to study. Your article is well researched and helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this information. I believe sleep quality is as important as the number of hours one needs to sleep each night to work at the optimum level.
An important and informative article about the importance of sleep and sleep deprivation.
Well, I do face the lack of sleep sometimes. But that is due to some stress or something. Sleeping well is so important and you have shared some valuable information here.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
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Hi Alyssa, Reading is a good way to relax before sleep, so it mst work for your. At least you know what works for you. Thanks for your comments.
Very interesting! Sleep is so important and it's taken me a long time to value it haha! I'm in bed by 9p each night because I get up early to see my husband off to work. I like to relax in bed and read for an hour or so before falling asleep. It helps me unwind from the day. I've found that if I go right to sleep at 9p, I'm more tired during the day and have to take a nap than when I stay up a little later reading. It's weird to me, but I think it's just what my body has become accustomed to.
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Hi Ms Dora, Some people will not pay attention to their sleep patterns and others want to live the best quality life possible.
I am glad you like the article and your comments are appreciated.
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Hi Linda, The cat was my favorite photo too.
I think we do need to realize how important sleep is to our daily functions. Thank you for your comments.
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Hi Gail, Your sleep sounds so erratic that i don't know what to think. Maybe sleeping pills for a while would help you establish a good sleep schedule. Probably not drinking too many liquids late in the day may help with the bathroom problem, but I have no other suggestions. I appreciate your questions and wish I could give you a better answer but I am not a doctor.
I am taking a sleep study test Sunday night. I have one sleeping pill to sleep so they can monitor me. I hope I can sleep. I have a very erratic sleep issue. Sometimes I wake up every two hours to go to the bathroom. Sometimes I sleep through the night. Sometimes I cannot sleep at all. It is very difficult. Any thoughts?
Thanks for sharing the information about the importance of sleep. It's something that we all need to keep in mind. The study that you mention is interesting. I love the photo of the yawning cat!
Thanks for this article, including the caution. Many people I know ignore the information about sleep deprivation. Will watch the video of the sleep doctors later. Thanks for providing it.
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Hi Bill, I think you may will probably live to a ripe old age as you have no health problems and sleep like a log. Hope Bev's quality of sleep improves. i sympathize with her.
I appreciate your comments and hope you have a great week.
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Hi Lori, I hope you can find a way to go to sleep earlier and get an adequate amount of sleep.
I have one of those sound systems I turn on at night and now I am listening to rain, which is helpful to me. Having apnea definitely complicates your sleep problems.
I hope your quality of sleep improves, I really appreciate your comments.
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Hi Nell, I suppose hallucinating could happen with a continuous lack of sleep. That would not be good if you were driving!
I appreciate your comments. Have a great week.
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Hi Linda, I think not being tired during the day is good but maybe you might try going to bed a bit earlier since you can't really sleep in. I think 6 solid hours would be better for you. I can always go to sleep but staying asleep is another problem. I am not as sharp either but maybe that is age; I just don't know.
Thanks for commenting, Linda.
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Hi MG Singh, I am happy that this article was helpful for you. I appreciate your comments.
Wonderful informative article about sleep. Lots of facts that I didn't know. Thanks a lot.
Pamela, I don't know if I am sleep-deprived or not. I have no problem staying awake during the day, but I know I'm not as sharp as I used to be. With luck, I get 6 hours each night, but it's not 6 uninterrupted hours. There's no such thing as sleeping in at my house (at least for this mom).
Interesting stuff. I do remember reading a few years ago that people who go without sleep start hallucinating in the day purely because it's a form or dreaming.
Sleep deprivation is the worst thorn in the flesh in my life. Getting to sleep is very hard, add to that apnea and I am a mess. Almost on a daily basis I wake up exhausted. When the time changed last month I took a nosedive in mood (I have a mood disorder to begin with). You are right that quality sleep is the most important thing to good health. My doctor said medication and sleep are numero uno to my mood stability.
I'm happy to report this is not something I have to worry about. I sleep like a log, same time every night. Bev, on the other hand, needs to read this article. :)
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Hi Eric, Your son does need more sleep as a growing boy. I think your doctors are right. I feel pretty good with 7 but more often than not I get 6 or 6.5 hours.
I suppose some don't follow the Circadian rhythm due to work hours, but others just don't follow any pattern, then wonder why they feel bad. I appreciate your comments, Eric.
I am mandated by physicians to get at least 7 hours. They say 9 is fine for my son. I insist on his ten. We use no alarms. I am asleep but I assume my 40 something wife is around 6.
I am amazed that some do not follow Circadian rhythms,.
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Thanks Clive. Have a good week!
Very Informative article.
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Hi Umesh, I am glad you like the article and will share it on Facebook. Thank you for your comments.
A nice article. Worth sharing with my followers in facebook.
Anyway thanks.
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Hi Liz, There have many bad accidents due to lack of sleep. I know when I travel I don't sleep very well in most hotels and the bed feels so good when I get back home. We are leaving Thursday for a trip, so lack of sleep is ahead.
I appreciate your comments. Have a great week, Liz.
After a week away in different hotels with lack of quality sleep, this article resonates with me. I remember a tragic accident of a car crashing onto a railway track causing a derailment of a train many years ago. It was attributed to lack of sleep for the driver of the car. I also have friends with fitbits who monitor their sleep patterns.
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