Daytime Fatigue
One of the most immediate effects of sleep deprivation is daytime fatigue. Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of physical or mental exhaustion that can impede one’s ability to function at their best. When an individual is fatigued, they may have difficulty completing tasks or making decisions. Sleep-deprived people feel irritable or anxious. And over time, chronic fatigue can lead to more serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Several factors can contribute to daytime fatigue, but one of the most common is sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual does not get seven to eight hours of sleep. When someone does not get enough sleep at night, the body does not have the opportunity to restore its energy levels.
When someone is fatigued, they are more likely to make mistakes that could have serious consequences. For example, one study found that doctors who worked shifts that included nighttime hours made more serious medical errors than those who did not work night shifts. Fatigue can also cause absenteeism from work and decreased productivity levels when one is on the job.
