7 Ways Sleep Deprivation Affects the Brain

Sleep has a huge impact on our physical health; it affects growth and stress hormones, our immune system, our breathing, blood pressure and even cardiovascular health.

But how does it affect the brain?

Missing an hour of sleep here or there may seem insignificant, but sleep deprivation can actually have an alarming impact on the brain and our overall well-being.

Here we explain seven ways sleep deprivation affects the brain – but first, let’s look at what our brains get up to while we sleep…

What are our brains doing while we sleep?

As we get ready for bed, we turn off our phones, laptops and the TV and start to unwind and shut down for the day. Our brains however, do the opposite, and remain highly active to perform a host of different functions to prepare us for the next day.

These functions can be compared to “housekeeping”, as the brain acts like a sort of vacuum cleaner, clearing away waste and toxic proteins that can lead to memory problems and dementia, as well as locking in what we learn, and preserving memories (and the order in which things occurred).

So what happens if we don’t get enough sleep and our brain can’t complete this “housekeeping”?

1.   Our ability to focus and learn new things is impaired

You have probably noticed that when you don’t get enough sleep you are groggy and can’t focus or pay attention very well.

That’s because a good night’s sleep gives our brains clarity to be able to work on new tasks. Sleep has a direct impact on our ability to focus and learn new things.

That’s why back at school your parents or teachers demanded that you get a good night’s sleep (and a good breakfast) before exam day, in order to prepare you to perform to the best of your ability.

2.   Our reaction time is much slower

The amount of sleep we get also significantly impacts our reaction times.

For example, if you get the recommended 7-8 hours’ sleep, your brain will be able to react quickly in conversation, or if you have to make a big decision.

Delayed responses as a result of sleep deprivation can be extremely dangerous therefore, especially if you are doing an important task like driving a car.

3.   It affects our mental health…

As you may have guessed, a lack of sleep also affects our brain when it comes to emotions, resulting in added anxiety, stress and irritation.

Worse still, if we are deprived of sleep regularly, this can also lead to depression.

4.   … and our physical health

Sleep is vital for our physical health. Getting our zzz’s helps heal and repair our heart and blood vessels, fight off disease and keep our immune system healthy, and ensure our brain is functioning normally.

Not getting enough sleep can increase the chances of developing a broad range of life-threatening diseases, including cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

5.   We’re not as creative

A study conducted by The Dana Foundation has given us some evidence to believe that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, (the stage in which intense dreams occur), actually stimulates creativity.

This is because, “sleep may help the brain to create associations between unrelated ideas, enhancing creative problem solving.”

6.   Productivity is low

Your brain is simply unable to work at full capacity when it hasn’t had enough sleep. Unfortunately, trying to come up with ideas and working hard to get things done requires energy which cannot be faked by chugging caffeine and hoping for the best!

Coffee or energy drinks are the go-to drugs for many sleep-deprived people, but trying to cure it with an energy drink won’t fix the damage you’ve done. And in actual fact, sugary, caffeine-fuelled drinks can have adverse health effects, most commonly related to the cardiovascular system, and to obesity and diabetes.

Instead, try and create a sleep schedule and stick to it, giving your body at least seven hours of peaceful slumber.

7.   Memory

When you’re sleep deprived, it’s not just really hard recalling information, but also remembering information moments after it has been presented to you.

According to WebMD there are three types of memory: acquisition, or getting the initial information; consolidation, which is stabilizing it in the brain, or else making it more concrete; and recall which is our ability to remember and bring the information back up.

In other words, sleep does more than help sharpen the mind – it makes memories stick and enables us to learn and remember.