We’ve all experienced that feeling of fogginess after pulling an all-nighter for work or staying out too late with friends on a weeknight. Feeling forgetful or taking longer to process our thoughts because of exhaustion is simply an expected part of not getting enough sleep. A new joint study from researchers at Tel Aviv University, UCLA and the University of Wisconsin has discovered exactly how this lack of sleep affects brain activity.
The teams determined that individual neurons in the brain actually slow down due to sleep deprivation, causing a delayed response behaviorally and cognitively. This neural slowing messes with visual perception and memory associations in the brain.
Sleep Deprivation Caused By Many Factors
Although missing sleep can sometimes be a conscious choice due to circumstances, events or deadlines, for people who struggle to sleep involuntarily it can become a very frustrating part of life. One condition that affects sleep is insomnia. Another is a dangerous sleep disorder called sleep apnea. There are many other reasons for sleep deprivation, but those are two of the most common.
Sleep Deprivation Caused By Insomnia
Insomnia is a complicated condition that is still not fully understood due to its many causes. It can be a result of a medical condition, a psychiatric condition, bad habits, substance use and other factors. It can also be caused by a combination of medical conditions such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea.
The daytime sleepiness that commonly occurs as a result of insomnia can be dangerous for both the person suffering from sleep deprivation and those around them. It can also cause anxiety, depression and irritability.
Sleep Deprivation Caused By Sleep Apnea
Although sleep deprivation as a result of insomnia is concerning, sleep apnea is even more dangerous. Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, said Dr. David Buck, DDS, founder of Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics. One of the pillars of Buck’s research and work with patients has been in the field of sleep apnea.
“Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of the disorder and is caused by a blockage in the airway,” he said. “This is often a result of soft tissue in the back of the throat collapsing during sleep.”
Sleep apnea affects men, women and children of all ages. Not only does it cause sleep deprivation, but it also affects oxygen levels. This can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, depression, headaches and many other health complications.
“Regardless of what may be causing your sleep deprivation, it’s imperative to see a health professional as soon as possible to get to the root of the problem and prevent any further complications,” Buck said.