The Dangers of Sleep Debt: Health Consequences

Individuals who don’t get enough sleep at night can feel it in many ways. Can sleep deprivation or other sleep disorders contribute to an accumulated sleep debt?

Sleep Debt

Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep an individual needs and the amount they get. It can accumulate over time and can negatively impact physical and mental health.

What Is It?

Regardless of the cause, sleep debt, also called a sleep deficit, is the accumulated amount of sleep loss from insufficient sleep. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019) For example, if the body needs eight hours of sleep a night but only gets six, it has accumulated two hours of sleep debt for that particular night. This can occur due to sleep restriction, in which too few hours are spent sleeping, which can have significant consequences, especially if the debt builds.

The Effects

Sleep deprivation is linked to various mental and physical health problems, including:

• Poor concentration or short-term memory
• Depression and anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease

Sleep deprivation can also contribute to other long-term health consequences. Individuals can have hallucinations and even a potentially increased risk of death. (Colten H. R., Altevogt B. M., & Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, 2006) Symptoms of discomfort and pain are also worsened by poor sleep.

Other Causes

Other possible causes of poor sleep quality can include individuals who have a sleep disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or circadian rhythm disorders, which could lead to symptoms that are similar to those that occur with a sleep debt. (Columbia University Department of Neurology, 2022) Even though enough sleep hours were obtained, it could be fragmented, resulting in daytime sleepiness and other health issues. Some signs of sleep debt include:

• Feeling tired throughout the day.
• Having trouble focusing and reacting.
• Feeling frustrated, cranky, or worried in social situations.
• Having difficulty judging others’ emotions.

Even after sufficient sleep hours, individuals who wake up feeling unrefreshed may need to see a sleep physician or specialist for sleep testing.

Getting Out of Sleep Debt

Fortunately, the short-term effects of sleep deprivation can be reversed with sufficient rest. To recover from sleep debt, individuals can try: (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019)

• Getting into a normal bedtime routine.
• Using afternoon naps in moderation.
• Avoiding stimulants, especially in the afternoon or evening.
• Going to bed earlier.
• Catching up by sleeping in on the weekends.
• Keeping a sleep diary.
• Changing their mattress.
• Talking with a doctor.

Although sleep deprivation affects everyone, older adults seem to rebound quicker than young adults. Individuals may initially require sleeping longer than average to compensate for the recent losses. That’s why meeting daily sleep needs and following better sleep guidelines to preserve health and well-being are important. (Colten H. R., Altevogt B. M., & Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, 2006)

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Individuals who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders that impact their ability to get restful sleep should consult with their healthcare provider about getting an assessment and treatment to sleep well, avoid deprivation side effects, and restore health. Through healthy sleep practices and lifestyle accommodations, individuals can recover from sleep debt and regain the benefits of quality rest. A chiropractic therapy team can assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.

Move Better, Live Better, Chiropractic Care

References

Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Weekend catch-up sleep won’t fix the effects of sleep deprivation on your waistline. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/weekend-catch-up-sleep-wont-fix-the-effects-of-sleep-deprivation-on-your-waistline-2019092417861

Colten, H. R., Altevogt, B. M., & Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research (Eds.). (2006). Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. National Academies Press (US).

Columbia University Department of Neurology. (2024). Sleep Disorders. https://www.neurology.columbia.edu/patient-care/specialties/sleep-disorders?id=42069