From the Guidelines
Chronic sleep deprivation symptoms include fatigue, attention and concentration impairment, mood disturbance, and daytime sleepiness.
Common Symptoms
These symptoms are based on the diagnostic criteria for insomnia, which includes:
- Fatigue or malaise
- Attention, concentration, or memory impairment
- Social or vocational dysfunction or poor school performance
- Mood disturbance or irritability
- Daytime sleepiness
- Motivation, energy, or initiative reduction
- Proneness for errors/accidents at work or while driving
- Tension, headaches, or gastrointestinal symptoms in response to sleep loss
- Concerns or worries about sleep 1.
Associated Risks
Chronic insomnia is associated with numerous adverse effects on function, health, and quality of life, including increased rates of work absenteeism, occupational and motor vehicle accidents, and a significant risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, especially mood disorder 1.
Key Findings
The prevalence of chronic insomnia disorder in industrialized nations is estimated to be at least 5% to 10%, with substantial economic burdens on society, estimated at $30 billion to $107 billion per year in the United States 1.
Clinical Implications
The goal of treatment for insomnia is to improve sleep and alleviate distress or dysfunction caused by the disorder, which can be managed with psychological therapy, pharmacologic therapy, or a combination of both 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Chronic Sleep Deprivation
The symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation can be diverse and affect various aspects of an individual's health. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Fatigue, neurocognitive slowing, and mood changes 2
- Increased risk of motor vehicle crashes and work-related injuries and fatal accidents due to impairments in cognitive and motor performance 3
- Difficulty learning new concepts, forgetfulness, and depressed mood 4
- Excessive yawning 4
- Persistent sadness and impaired daily functioning, particularly in individuals with depressive disorders 5
- Altered dopamine and cortisol levels, which can lead to changes in mood and cognitive function 2
Physical Health Consequences
Chronic sleep deprivation can also have severe physical health consequences, including:
- Increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, diabetes, and obesity 6
- Accelerated atherosclerosis and altered inflammatory and coagulatory responses 6
- Increased oxidative stress and neural autonomic control changes 6
Cognitive and Emotional Effects
The cognitive and emotional effects of chronic sleep deprivation can be significant, including:
- Reduced cognitive functioning, despite increased regional brain activity 2
- Decreased perceived energy levels, concentration, and speed of thought 2
- Altered processing of emotional words and increased insular activity 2
- Increased risk of anxiety, chronic inflammation, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with depressive disorders 5