Paranoia
Paranoia is defined as an irrational fear or suspicion of others. People who are paranoid may believe that others are out to get them or are plotting against them. They may also be suspicious of everyone they meet, thinking everyone is lying to them or trying to take advantage of them. Paranoid thoughts can lead to social isolation and anxiety. In severe cases, they can even lead to violence.
There are a few theories as to how sleep deprivation can cause paranoia. One theory is that when an individual is tired, they are more likely to see threats where there are none. This is because the brain is working overtime to try to make sense of the world around it and is more likely to misinterpret information as threatening. Another theory is that sleep deprivation impairs an individual’s ability to think logically and make rational decisions. This can lead sleep-deprived individuals to jump to conclusions and make decisions based on fear instead of facts.
Whatever the exact mechanism, the link between sleep deprivation and paranoia is clear. If an individual is not getting enough sleep, they are more likely to experience paranoid thoughts. For people already prone to paranoia, lack of sleep can worsen the paranoid thoughts.
