How many times did you not have a proper sleep, because of work or some other reasons? The answer might be ‘a lot of times’, right?
To function properly both our body and mind needs a good rest. And not getting proper sleep for a long time affects our health adversely.
Proper Sleep For A Normal Adult
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 7 hours of sleep. This is for adults between the age of 18 and 60 years of age.
According to a report, more than 35% of adults in the United States do not get enough sleep?
Now, sleep requirements differ from person to person. For instance, newborn babies require twice as much sleep as adults.
Did you know according to a report in 2010, the current world record for a person going without sleep is 266 hours? This equals 11 days.
A sleep-deprived person faces a lot of changes that are physical, mental and emotional. But these changes also depends upon the time they have been sleep-deprived.
What Is Sleep Deprivation?
Now, sleep deprivation is when a person gets less sleep than their actual requirement. Additionally, children and teenagers need more sleep than adults.
Here are a few symptoms of sleep deprivation:
- Sleepiness during the day
- Difficulty in concentration
- Less coordination
- Frequent mood swings
- Irritation
Regular sleep deprivation can sometimes result in severe health risks., like obesity, diabetes, etc.
Let’s take a look at what will happen during various periods for being sleep deprived.
24 Hours Without Sleep
Now, it is not very uncommon if you miss 24 hours of sleep. Despite this, loss of sleep even after 24 hours affect your health.
Some effects of sleeplessness for 24 hours are:
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Vision and hearing difficulties
- Reduced hand-eye coordination
- Increased risk of accidents
72 Hours Without Sleep
72 hours or 3 days without sleep affects a person’s thinking ability and function properly. If you go at least 3 days without sleep you will face difficulty in a task as simple as picking up a glass of water.
Moreover, research has also found that sleep deprivation makes it more difficult to process others’ emotions.
So, even if your ever long crush proposes you for a lifetime commitment, you may not even be able to understand a word of it.
Effects Of Sleep Deprivation
Can food and water intake have any effect on this?
Sleep deprivation also affects your appetite as well. According to research, sleep deprivation can increase your appetite. However, this results in weight gain.
Now, if you eat well then some of the effects of sleep deprivation will not affect your body.
A proper diet can be good in case of sleep deprivation, but only to an extent. Moreover, it is also important to keep yourself hydrated when sleep deprived.
Also Read: Irregular Sleeping Habits Result Negatively On Your Weight Loss Journey
Chronic Partial Sleep Deprivation
Chronic partial sleep deprivation means not getting proper sleep on a regular basis. This is different from an occasional all-nighter in cases of work or study.
Chronic partial sleep deprivation often leads to short-term and long-term health risks, such as:
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Forgetfulness
- Impaired Alertness
- Increased risk of illness or injury
So, it is very important to give our body and mind proper rest. And these effects can be seen if not rested properly.
For this, what you can do is set a timetable and make sure to follow it honestly. Also, this way when you get a good amount of rest you can work efficiently throughout the day.
Now, the answer to the question of how long one can go without sleep still remains unanswered. We are yet to hear any report of death caused due to lack of sleep. But, we definitely start seeing the symptoms after 72 hours in any person.
A normal adult requires at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. So, it is definitely recommended that you take care of your sleep schedule to remain healthy.