Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

At what point does sleep deprivation become a problem?

191 Answers
Last Updated: 03/03/2022 at 1:56am
At what point does sleep deprivation become a problem?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
gentleSun78
May 28th, 2020 6:00am
Sleep deprivation becomes a problem in the moment when you in the day after sleep deprivation feel and perform worse than you would if your sleep was ok. If you feel more tired, forgetful, nervous, clumsy, low, irritable, have mood swings, due to sleep deprivation, then sleep deprivation is a problem for you. It isn't good to stay sleep deprived if you don't feel above mentioned short term effects either, as sleep deprivation can be very harmful in long run. It is recommended that you avoid sleep deprivation if you can. If you can't avoid it, try to minimize it's duration.
Ran3707
June 5th, 2020 7:50pm
When you lose focus. When you cannot get sleep deprivation out of your mind. Your life and your spiritual life are largely based on what you choose to think about. Rest and meditate if necessary. Don't pursue a dead end. Sleep deprivation may occur as part of your work or it may happen from inability to rest. In either case, it is debilitating. So action must be taken to change this situation. For instance if you are operating machinery or making important decisions, you do not want to be sleep deprived. If there is a crisis in your life and you cannot sleep, you must find a way to quiet the crisis at least temporarily. Meditation helps in this respect.
AllieM
June 17th, 2020 10:58pm
I think if you are reaching out and asking if it is a problem, then it is likely already interfering with your life. It would be important to reflect on how exactly your sleep deprivation is impacting your daily life-- what is different? For me, I noticed it was a problem when I became more irritable and had more intense emotional breakdowns. When I started to work on steps to address my sleep deprivation my days became more manageable for me. Things can get better, it may take time, but they CAN get better. The fact that you are already thinking about this and reflecting on if it is a problem in your life is a great start.
Anonymous
July 23rd, 2020 5:37am
Having enough time to sleep is essential for the mind, heart and body to remain healthy. At times we may not have sufficient hours due to certain changes in our life style. It could be very temporary or lasts for a long time. However, if sleeping hours fall short repetitively and gets to a point where it becomes difficult to sleep this becomes a medical condition called insomnia. There’re few ways to have one over come it. It becomes a problem when one is not able to sleep enough and sleep deep, affecting his/her emotions, judgement, ability to focus, and get on with his daily routine.
allnaturalhorizon864
August 6th, 2020 2:47am
When you can longer focus on your every day tasks and your overall health is deteriorating. Things like headaches, body aches, fatigue, concentration issues, and irritability are common symptoms of sleep deprivation that can severely affect your life! I have experienced it myself before, and I was unable to focus on my goals, schoolwork, or relationships. Many people thought it was personal. I also felt very physically uncomfortable and I lost a lot of weight. My hair became matted and I had to cut it out. My advice to someone with sleep deprivation is to adjust your environment to get better sleep.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2020 8:25am
I think it becomes a problem when you're trying really hard to fall asleep at night but no matter what you do, it just does not happen. There's so many things worrying you, your thoughts racing at a million kilometres and you've tried distracting yourself already. You feel drowsy during the day and unable to concentrate on anything for longer. You might even end up sleeping on the job or taking short naps but you don't feel refreshed or relieved after it. You are also prone to falling asleep anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes you're not even aware of being sleep deprived.
kathyroo12
August 21st, 2020 1:18am
When you feel it impact your daily occupations. I have had many moments of sleep deprivation being a college student, it feels so draining and in the moment, no amount of coffee seems to help. It becomes a problem when you feel yourself too tired to do things you normally would engage in, like going to the store, hanging out with friends, or completing work. Even experiencing wavering emotions is a factor in realizing that you may be sleep deprived. Being too tired to do things is a big problem that should be addressed, especially if it is persistent.
LadyDair
September 16th, 2020 1:24am
Marines are trained to endure torturous situations in extreme mental hardship- and one of the ways they do this is to go without sleep for 3 days plus. At this point the brain gets cloudy, your nerve function goes down and gets confused, and your organs and joints start to experience stress and pain. So... I'd say if you're generally a light sleeper and only get 5 hours a night normally, that makes a difference... but if it's a sudden change that's an indicator of something to worry about. If it's been a gradual change and something that affects you every day, (your body feels heavy and tired when you've just woken up) that's when a doctor will say they want to see you. It's been my experience, anyway, and I have more than one sleep and fatigue related condition. I hope that helps!
Oceansforever
September 19th, 2020 4:44am
You'd be surprised by how quickly sleep deprivation can become a problem. Some studies suggest that being awake for 18 hours straight has a similar effect on driving as having a BAC of .05! Sleep deprivation affects the prefrontal cortex, which is your reasoning center, and the amygdala, which processes emotion. What this means is that when you are sleep deprived, your ability to make smart decisions, problem solve, plan, and manage your emotions is significantly impacted. Find it hard to focus on schoolwork after a long day? That's why! Sleep deprivation can also negatively impact your immune system, your endocrine system (which controls your ability to manage your weight, and also your hormonal levels), and your vascular system (leading to blood pressure problems). In short, at what point does sleep deprivation become a problem? Very quickly! Fortunately, getting a good night's sleep has the opposite effect! It helps with weight regulation, mood, stress, and focus. Getting a good night's sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Adults need on average 7-9 hours of sleep depending on the person. If you find you are struggling to get a good night's sleep, start by working on your "sleep hygiene." Make sure the area around your bed is clear and clean. Try to use your bed only for sleeping and sex, and nothing else -this builds good habits so you associate your bed with sleep. Create a nightly routine -pajamas, brush teeth, and a good book or some music. Lastly, avoid blue lights before going to sleep. The light activates your mind and prevents melatonin, the sleep hormone, from secreting when it is supposed to.
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2020 6:02pm
This becomes a problem when you are unable to feel well. You can become ill both mentally and physically. Sleep is very important and it is best to try and get the most you can. You want to be sure the amount of sleep you are getting is helping you function the next day. This could be at work or school or even just being out and about. Looking into relaxation videos before bed may help or even reducing the time spent on screens (TV, Phone, Computer) Taking breaks is also important. Manage your sleeping patterns each night.
LoveWins007
September 24th, 2020 4:01pm
If it begins to affect your daily routine and your decision-making abilities, sleep deprivation can become problematic. If this is something that is concerning, a visit with a medical professional may be best. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Studies have shown that going too long without sleep can impair your ability to drive the same way as drinking too much alcohol. Being awake for at least 18 hours is the same as someone having a blood content (BAC) of 0.05%. Being awake for at least 24 hours is equal to having a blood alcohol content of 0.10%."
Anonymous
September 30th, 2020 2:29am
Sleep deprivation becomes a problem when it starts interfering with your life. When it starts to cause problems with interpersonal relationships, decrease performance in a work environment, or cause low moods, the it should be addressed as a problem. There are lots of factors to consider with the sleep deprivation: is it a single event of sleeplessness or is it chronic, and are there any underlying causes. Any amount of sleep deprivation should be taken seriously, and steps should be taken to improve sleep quality. A good resource to start improving your sleep is the 7cups sleeping well self help guide https://www.7cups.com/sleeping-well/
Anonymous
October 8th, 2020 6:50pm
Sleep deprivation can become a problem when you have gotten so little sleep that you no longer can function. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine often helps to conquer sleep deprivation and get a good night’s sleep. This can include taking a warm bath, reading, or meditating and allowing your mind to drift peacefully to sleep. Another step that may help you to get a good night’s sleep is sticking to a consistent schedule, meaning that you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If possible, waking up with the sun is a good way to reset your body’s clock more naturally. Also, keep your bedroom at a reasonable temperature because a bedroom that is too hot or too cold can disrupt sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try doing something else like reading a book for a few minutes. The anxiety of not being able to fall asleep can actually make sleep deprivation worse for some people. Finally, be sure to see a doctor if your problems with sleep deprivation continue. Don’t let them linger.
kindheartedSunrise5681
October 16th, 2020 7:06am
Sleep deprivation becomes a problem when it affects your daily routine, right from exercising and having a healthy breakfast...to work productivity at work, relationships with others due to unstable mood.it affects all your brain functions like cognition, memory, recall, problem solving, decision making, creativity etc: It also causes hormonal imbalances, affects certain medications that have to taken early morning on an empty stomach. It causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate. So in short it can cause obesity, mood swings, loss of job, loss of relationships, procrastination, laziness, forgetfulness, inattentiveness, low immunity, depression. Last but not the least it can cause severe accidents, risking many a lives.
deb3107
November 7th, 2020 7:18pm
When it meddles with every day live activities, i.e. you could not concentrate at work or school. Drive or operate heavy machinery while not getting enough sleep is simular to those under alcohol influence. Irregular sleep confuses the body of its natural circadian rhythm, lower the body's immunity and its ability to fight foreign objects like viruses or inflammation. I have experienced sleep deprivation by choice or by circumstance, and usually there are underlying cause as to why it happens in the first place. Recognizing the root cause is half the battle already Yet taking actions to deal with those root cause, change underlying pattern ia another thing entirely.
Anonymous
November 13th, 2020 7:04am
Sleep deprivation becomes a problem when you can't focus on the world around you anymore and you can't tell the difference between fantasy and real anymore. It can become dangerous, because if you are sleep deprived behind the wheel, you could fall asleep and crash. It is also dangerous if you are walking and are sleep deprived, because you could fall asleep walking and walk and bust your head open. Sleep deprivation becomes a problem once the lines between fantasy and the real world become blurred, such as you can't tell when you are awake or asleep anymore. If you are sleep deprived, I recommend you should get some help.
specialMelody96
November 20th, 2020 8:58pm
I think that is entirely dependent on the individual - 2 people could get the same hours of sleep and yet 1 may notice no negative change to their life and the other may notice finding things significantly harder. It's important to take stock of yourself and try to notice how your lack of sleep has impacted your daily life. Are you noticing a negative change to your mood? Are you finding it harder to concentrate? Have you noticed your sleep deprivation impacting your relationships? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it may be time to consider reaching out for help.
Anonymous
December 11th, 2020 3:48pm
Sleep is necessary for the body because is when the healing process takes part, for example it´s when your heart and blood vessel get repaired, it also improves your mental health. There are common symptoms of sleep deprivation like: -daytime fatigue -irritability -anxiety -excessive sleepiness - frequent yawning and some even more serious like: paranoia and depression. It can also lead to later sleeping problems like: insomnia. If you are experimenting any of the above you should try to improve your sleeping habits, there steps you can follow like: -limiting daytime naps -refraining from caffeine past noon -going to bed at the same time each night -waking up at the same time every morning -refraining from using electronic devices right before bed -avoiding heavy meals within a few hours before bedtime -spending an hour before bed doing relaxing activities, such as reading, meditating, or taking a bath If your sleeping deprivation continues do seek medical help since good sleeping is vital for your mental and physical health.
Anonymous
December 30th, 2020 4:54pm
I would say that it becomes a problem when it affects your normal quality of life. Usually, scientists and experts recommend at least 8 hours of sleep in a night, but it can vary from person to person. Someone may need less sleep over the course of a night and they will still feel refreshed the next day. However, if someone feels as if they are not as focused as they used to be, are less alert, or are in a worse mood, then that is likely when sleep deprivation becomes a problem. Sleep deprivation is almost never beneficial in the medium to long term. It is (in SOME cases) understandable to pull an all nighter for an exam or a project, but a person's health, productivity, and well-being decline rapidly by doing so.
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2021 9:57pm
Sleep deprivation becomes a problem when it starts to affect your physical and mental health. Staying up late three nights to finish a school assignment is not the most healthy however it is not a problem. It starts to become a problem when you are not sleeping for several days, start to feel terrible about yourself and start to hallucinate. Personally, there was a time where I was in a dark place and did not sleep for three days straight. This made me lose immense weight, have trouble walking, and I even started hallucinating animals in my room. Situations such as these are personally for me when it becomes a problem that needs support immediately.
CopperSkies
January 6th, 2021 3:24pm
Sleep deprivation is always a problem, but even more so when you begin to see the effects of it in your day to day life. Feeling like you are detached from reality or even hallucinating can be signs of severe sleep deprivation and are both significant problems. If you feel as if you are sleep deprived its important that you seek support from a medical professional so that you can get the help that you deserve. Other short term solutions can also help such as setting up a positive sleep environment, by keeping your room dark and cool, which is ideal for sleep.
Heizl
January 8th, 2021 7:39am
Sleep deprivation becomes a problem when you are unable to focus on anything you want to do, whether that be work, hang out with friends, or even engage in hobbies. Sleep deprivation can play a huge role in taking away joy from your day to day life. It can cause hallucinations and unpleasant experiences if it turns into something more severe, like days without adequate sleep. I don't think there's measurable hours, but more so based on how you feel. Sluggish, stressed, not being able to think clearly. I've been there, when I'm so exhausted and behind on sleep that I can't even sit down and play a video game, or with my cats.
Anonymous
February 13th, 2021 10:54am
I would say when it starts to impact your health- both physical and mental. It’s normal to have the occasional sleepless night (it won't harm you health, but you may feel tired or irritable the next day). However, if it becomes more of a regular issue it could become a problem. Regular poor sleep can put people at risk of more health conditions, and can also impact you mentally. Less sleep can affect your mood throughout the day and how you feel. Most of us need around 8 hours of good-quality sleep a night – but some need more and some need less. Don't self diagnose or get too worried- you can always compensate for lost sleep :)
radiantRobin949
February 18th, 2021 2:27am
Any amount of sleep deprivation should be avoided. One all-nighter might not seem like much of an issue, but at least for me, I know it can make me feel groggy for the rest of the day. Though each person needs a different amount of sleep to function, I'd say that if you feel like you aren't waking up feeling alert, then you might be sleep deprived. Though life can be busy, sleep should still be a high priority since not getting enough can lead to poor health. If other people around you are noticing you acting tired all day, then you might need to see a sleep doctor.
KristinCares
February 18th, 2021 8:21pm
On average, healthy adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. However, everyone's needs are different and your needed amount of sleep may change due to your circumstances. If your body is telling you that you need more sleep, there's no shame in making it happen. Self-care is crucial! Don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like for me to send helpful resources to get you sleeping better. I'm also available to listen to anything you'd like to talk about. Sometimes stress can keep us from getting adequate amounts of sleep. Talking about what's weighing on your mind can do a world of wonders.
paintedrocks
February 24th, 2021 6:24pm
At any case you should be getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Not sleeping enough can lead to lack in motivation and inability to think clearly. A clear sign that you haven't been sleeping enough is having bags under your eyes or hair loss. Another symptom is seeing "shadow people" or thinking you saw something when you really didn't. It's at that point where your mind decides to play tricks on you because you are so tired that it can't decipher what's really going on. A glass of water and a week of good sleep can fix this right up!
Anonymous
March 19th, 2021 12:05am
Sleep deprivation becomes a problem when you can't perform daily tasks as usual. These daily tasks include things like going to work, cooking, eating, hanging with friends, etc. You may feel your mood changing. This could also indicate sleep deprivation being a problem. This includes whether your mood is changing negatively or positively. Too much positivity in a mood change could be viewed as hypomanic which could be a symptom of mental illness. Becoming more irritable could also be a signal that sleep deprivation may be a problem. Sleep deprivation should always be taken seriously under any circumstances. Not only can sleep deprivation effect oneself mentally, but it can also have an impact on physical health.
Anonymous
March 31st, 2021 3:19pm
Your central nervous system is the main information highway of your body. Sleep is necessary to keep it functioning properly, but chronic insomnia can disrupt how your body usually sends and processes information. During sleep, pathways form between nerve cells (neurons) in your brain that help you remember new information you’ve learned. Sleep deprivation leaves your brain exhausted, so it can’t perform its duties as well. You may also find it more difficult to concentrate or learn new things. The signals your body sends may also be delayed, decreasing your coordination and increasing your risk for accidents. Sleep deprivation also negatively affects your mental abilities and emotional state. You may feel more impatient or prone to mood swings. It can also compromise decision-making processes and creativity.
Anonymous
April 2nd, 2021 4:43pm
Thank you for reaching out! Sleep deprivation becomes a problem when it starts to affect your day to day life. Insomnia which is another word for sleep deprivation can impact on your relationships, occupation and emotion management as well as your mental and physical health. Ask yourself if you find that you're too tired to do activities that you either need to do, or enjoy doing. Do you feel completely present and focused at work, in your relationships? The importance of sleep is undeniable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has articulated that thirty five percent of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep per night. If you find that you inability to sleep has changed what you can and can't do because you are too tired, it is important to reach out to a professional. You are also welcome to reach out to one of our listeners or therapists for further support.
Kindasadlad
April 29th, 2021 7:32am
Most people will begin to experience the effects of sleep deprivation after just 24 hours. Also after only three or four nights without sleep, you can start to hallucinate. Sleep deprivation can even be fatal in certain circumstances. For example, sleep deprivation can increase the risk of dangerous accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018, U.S. police reported 90,000 motor vehicle crashes that involved sleep-deprived drivers. According to the CDC, at least one in three U.S. adults are not getting enough sleep. Missing 1 or 2 hours of sleep may not seem like a big deal, but it can negatively affect a person’s mood, energy levels, and ability to handle complex tasks.