Sleep Deprivation: More than Just “Not Being Able to Fall Asleep”

Being deprived of something means that you cannot have something you really want or need. Whether it’s burning the midnight oil studying for exams, working the graveyard shift at the hospital, trying to make a deadline at work, or caring for a newborn baby, those of us who are sleep-deprived do the best we can to manage life without enough sleep.

For those who are deprived of enough sleep, it’s more than just not being able to fall asleep. It’s also not being able to steal away for some sleep when you really feel tired – such as when your days and nights are mixed up, or when you’re having jetlag.

The impact that sleep deprivation can have on your health and well-being can be a nightmare. Let’s talk about what sleep deprivation is and who can help you get a restful night’s sleep every night.

Sleep Deprivation Is Not Necessarily Insomnia

There are tactics and treatments to overcome insomnia, or trouble falling asleep. For example, by changing a few behaviors before bed and changing the environment of the bedroom, good sleep can be achieved.

However, most of us who are sleep-deprived are so because of life’s events, our jobs, or responsibilities to family and community. Despite these noble reasons, sleep deprivation can take its toll and have life-shattering effects, such as if you fall asleep while driving. That is why it is so important to have a doctor evaluate your reasons for sleep deprivation and help you find a remedy for getting more sleep.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep can result in moodiness, clumsiness, weight loss, or weight gain. Cognitive functions can also become impaired, and you can develop forgetfulness and have difficulty concentrating.

In children, the long-term effects of sleep deprivation on their developing brain can result in medical and sociological implications both now and in the future. Sleep deprivation can impact academic performance; in sports, it can increase the child’s risk of injury and accidents. For infants and toddlers, sleep deprivation may have an impact on their language, social, cognitive, and/or behavioral development.

Most importantly, lack of adequate sleep impacts our immune systems, making it harder to fend off disease and making us vulnerable to illness that an otherwise-healthy immune system can suppress.

Sleep Doctors in Wayne County, Ohio

Sleep deprivation is not just about not being able to fall asleep. And once many of us get into the habit of not sleeping enough, it’s hard to get back on track.

You have undoubtedly been seeing ads about special pillows and CPAP machines to help people sleep. Let a dedicated medical specialist who helps patients sleep again give you a full medical evaluation and help you determine what would work best for you.

That’s where the doctors and specialists at Wooster Community Hospital can help. If you or your child has sleep challenges, contact us today and schedule an appointment by calling us at (330)263-8400. Trust us to be your healthcare partner for better nights and brighter days.