Sleep deprivation is a huge problem all over the world. Many people work long hours, and something must be sacrificed. Unfortunately, sleep is a very common thing to sacrifice. It’s easier to stay up until the work is done than face the music if it isn’t. However, this system may backfire, because the more sleep deprived one becomes, the worse off they are while working. Response rate is slowed, and concentration is affected.
When the body is not properly rested, it can’t function in top shape. Every motion requires extra effort, which tires the body out even more. This adds to fatigue. Some physical tasks may seem absolutely impossible to someone who is extremely fatigued. The body’s defenses are lowered because it has to focus on staying awake and keeping up with the person who refuses to give in and sleep. This leads the individual to be more susceptible to illness, and to get sicker and for a longer period of time when an illness is contracted. The body cannot fight the bacteria or virus until it can stop focusing so much energy on everyday life processes.
Once sleep deprivation has set in, the lost sleep can never be made up. Research has also shown that by being chronically sleep deprived, one is shortening their life. Suggestions are to take naps in the afternoon (short ones, around fifteen or twenty minutes. Even just taking time to relax is good) if possible, or consider an earlier bedtime. If nothing is possible, try to juggle tasks so they are spread more evenly over the week, so more sleep can be gotten during the week and about the same on the weekend. Regular bedtimes and wake times will help condition the body to a certain amount of sleep and will reduce fatigue. Try to get at least six hours of sleep per night.