HANOI UNIVERSITY

FOUNDATION STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Sleep deprivation:
symptoms, causes, effects, treatments

Teacher: Ms Nguyen Thi Huong Quynh

Student: Nguyen Khanh Huyen
Nguyen Truc Bao Ngoc
Class: 3TC-23
Course: EAP Writing
Date:

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 ABSTRACT

Sleep deprivation is a serious health problem that causes many

unpredictable consequences. The economic and social
conditions of the developed world cause the proportion of people
with sleep deprivation to increase. However, the awareness of
humans about this issue is very poor. The purpose of this paper
studies is explaining the problems with this kind of disorder. In
particular, this paper has four main points, including definition,
symptoms and causes of sleep deprivation, its effects and
treatments for sleep deprivation’s patients. This paper especially
focuses on sleep deprivation in youngsters. Young people today
face many pressures in life that affect their sleep. Therefore,
some suggestions shown in the paper may help to reduce the
number of sleep deprivation sufferers.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………...ii

1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………....1

2. Discussion…………………………………………………………………………...2

2.1. What are the symptoms of sleep deprivation? …………………………………..2

2.2. What are the causes of sleep deprivation? ………………………………………3

2.3. How does sleep deprivation influence teenagers? ……………………………….4

2.4. What are the treatments for sleep deprivation? ………………………………...5

3. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………..6

REFERENCES…………….……………………………………………………………iv

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1. Introduction

The human brain is among the most intricate biological structures on the planet. It serves
as the central nervous system for the body, taking in information from all throughout the
body and senses, processing it, and then sending signals back down in response. Because
of this intricacy, it has been shown that particular elements, especially sleep, can have
multiple effects on the way the brain works and interacts with the body. Sleep is essential
for people, especially for teenagers. Scientifically, eight to ten hours of sleep a night is
recommended for most children; however, unfortunately, they tend to get far less sleep
than ever and may consequently face numerous challenges or detrimental effects.
Recently, research indicates that a significant proportion of college students—up to 60%
—experience inadequate quality of sleep. (Schlarb et al., 2017, p. 1). And that is called
sleep deprivation, which occurs when someone does not get the amount of sleep they
need. Even one night lacking a sufficient amount of sleep can cause people to feel
drowsy, irritated, and have delayed thinking during the day. Although the impacts are
more apparent in the short term, chronic sleep deprivation increases the possibility of
both mental and physical health issues in the long run. Thus, this paper, with the purpose
to help adolescents improve their sleep loss, will discuss the symptoms, causes, effects,
and treatments.
2. Discussion of findings
2.1. What are the symptoms of sleep deprivation?
According to Clete A. K. (2004), sleep deprivation is the elimination of all or almost all
sleep from a human being. A person who doesn't get enough sleep, especially over a
prolonged period of time, builds up a sleep debt that makes them do more and more
valiant efforts to stay awake.

Specifically, in the research Sleep Deprivation & Its Consequences (2014), Joan Esherick
stated that according to studies, adolescents need eight and a half to nine and a quarter
hours of sleep nightly on average. In his study, he also pointed out that sleep is a basic
need, just like food and water, and your body will signal you if it fails to obtain enough of
it.

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Furthermore, a recent study by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that 60% of
participants who were younger than eighteen said they felt fatigued during the day.
Afterwards, four signs of teen sleep deprivation are identified in the NSF article
about Teenagers Sleep Demands and Habits: Having trouble getting out of bed in the
morning; Becoming grumpy and irritated later in the day; Accidentally nodding out
during the day; Sleeping longer on the weekends than normal (Joan Esherick, cited in
Sleep Deprivation & Its Consequences, 2014).

In addition, in an online article of Cleveland Clinic – a nonprofit American academic

medical center, it is said that numerous symptoms are brought on by sleep deprivation,
such as Daytime drowsiness; Exhaustion; Irritability; Difficulties concentrating,
remembering, and thinking; slowed response times; Headaches. The symptoms get worse
the longer sleep deprivation persists. Some of the more severe symptoms resemble the
effects of alcohol intoxication, including Microsleeps, in which a person merely nods off
for a few seconds before awakening again; Nystagmus, or erratic eye movements; Ptosis
(eyelid drooping); Hallucinations based on touch and vision; Impulsive, even dangerous,
actions.

2.2. What are the causes of sleep deprivation?

Teens' insufficient sleep might be attributed to a variety of factors. However, this issue is
caused by a number of causes, some of which may differ from adolescent to adolescent.

As per Sharon Brandwein's (2023) findings, shift work, worry, and stress at work are
very typical causes of sleep deficiency. First of all, both the quantity and quality of your
sleep can be negatively impacted by stress. Studies have demonstrated that stress can
cause sleep fragmentation in addition to delaying sleep latency, or the time it takes you to
fall asleep. Second, if teenagers ever had the flu or a simple cold, they will struggle with
how to sleep. Aside from that, bad sleep hygiene can also play a role. Personal habits like
smoking, consuming caffeine or exercising right before bed, or failing to manage stress
can all reduce the likelihood that you'll get enough sleep. In addition, adolescents will not
be able to sleep through the night if their bedroom is bright, noisy, or too hot or cold.

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That also applies to everyone who snores in their sleep on a regular basis and to those
who sleep close to them.

As reported in an online research Top 4 reasons why you're not sleeping through the
night on Harvard Health Publishing (Anonymous, 2022), lifestyle factors, such as any of
the following habits, are among the most prevalent causes of sleep disturbances. First,
eating something within a few hours of going to bed. A full stomach might make it
difficult to fall asleep and remain asleep while you're lying down. Second, taking
excessive naps. It's more difficult to fall asleep at night after taking long naps in the
afternoon or later. Thirdly, overindulge in coffee. Adenosine, a brain molecule that
promotes sleep, is blocked by caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, and sodas.

To be more specialized in teenagers, according to Eric Suni (2023), there are several
variables that lead to their sleep deprivation. Initially of all, teenagers frequently develop
into night owls, staying up later and sleeping until the early hours of the morning. This is
associated with a biological urge that affects the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm.
Teens tend to sleep longer since they have a lower melatonin production later in the day
and a slower sleep drive. Second, they struggle to get to sleep sufficiently early since
school starts later, forcing them to wake up earlier. Teens often have a full schedule that
includes social life, sports, community activities, jobs, schoolwork, and housework.
Stress from these obligations may be a factor in insomnia and other sleep issues.
Additionally, Eric Suni also reported that there are many electronic devices in use today,
such as tablets and cell phones, and studies show that at least 89% of teenagers keep one
of these devices in their bedroom at night. Sleep issues may be worsened by late-night
screen usage. These gadgets can be entertaining to use, and receiving notifications might
keep you from sleeping. There is additional evidence that exposure to smartphone light
lowers the generation of melatonin.

2.3. How does sleep deprivation influence teenagers?

Investigations show the intimate relationship between sleep and mental health growth in
youngsters. Kuhlman et al. wrote in their 2020 research about sleep problems in
adolescence, pointing out that having insufficient sleep in adolescents can cause

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depressive symptoms. It is the body’s stress response to not having a good sleep.
Moreover, lack of sleep can also impact the way people behave. Affective symptoms,
emotional challenges, mood, and behavioral issues are among the most pertinent mental
health issues that adolescents face, and they are correlated with night awakening and
delayed sleep beginning, according to Associations between Sleep and Mental Health in
Adolescents. 2022. Additionally, sleep is essential for storing memories. Roger Ratcliff
said that prolonged sleep deprivation affects memory's capacity to complete tasks
correctly. Prolonged insomnia has the risks of affecting the nervous system. The reason is
that the body can create connections among nerve cells during sleep. Furthermore, a good
sleep help people remember and process the information that takes place over the day.
However, when losing sleep, this process will be interrupted and lead to memory
impairment. It will also make mental health and emotions more negative or sometimes
hallucinatory symptoms.

Similarly, sleep deficiency can also affect physical health. Lack of sleep has been
connected to a number of chronic health issues, such as depression, high blood pressure,
diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, obesity, and stroke, according to National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute’s research (2022). Dr. Michael Breus supposed that as it
happens, a sleeping body is rather active. Body fights inflammation, strengthens and
repairs tissues, boosts immunity, and reduces blood pressure to promote improved
cardiovascular health all while people sleep. Despite the importance of the inflammatory
response to the body, too much inflammation over time may destroy the heart. Besides,
the relationship between sleep and the immune system is direction. The director at
UCLA, Michael Irwin cited in his study that sleep is supposed to help the body prepare
for a potential injury or infection the next day. Disrupted sleep adds to increased
inflammation and reduces the body's capacity to fight infections. That implies there may
be an increased risk among older persons and patients with inflammatory illnesses, such
as cardiovascular disease and some forms of depression, who are more likely to have
sleeplessness.

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Moreover, sleep insufficiency may be a factor that makes people gain weight. The recent
obesity pandemic has been linked to an increase in the incidence of chronic sleep
deprivation, according to a 2012 study which was written by Sanjay R. Patel, Frank B.
Hu.

2.4. What are the treatments for sleep deprivation?

Preventing sleep loss should ideally help you remain alert and attentive. People can
attempt a few strategies to ensure that they are getting the necessary amount of sleep for
their body and to get their sleep back on track by developing good sleep hygiene
practices.

There were several ways recommended by experts to solve the problem of sleep
deprivation. As it was mentioned in Chaput JP et al.’s research in 2018, it might simply
take catching up on sleep or taking a nap to feel more rested if people have only been
without sleep for a day or two. Nevertheless, most people require more time to heal from
sleep deprivation lasting several weeks or longer. Although humans can sleep to make up
for lack of sleep, they should limit it because of its influences on their health.

Besides, people can follow some medical treatments for having a complete sleep. Christ
Nguyen wrote in his 2019 article that people who have had sleep deprivation should
follow Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy because it is a type of psychotherapy that aims to
assist patients comprehend how their feelings and thoughts affect their behavior. It is
used to treat a range of disorders associated with sleep deprivation, such as depression,
anxiety, phobias, and addictions.

Moreover, education about the importance of sleep for the growth in adolescence is
necessary. Paruthi S et al. demonstrated the need for more scientific study in order to get
a deeper comprehension of the specific biological mechanisms that underlie sleep
demand. These recommendations set the stage for a greater understanding and awareness
of the advantages of sleep for health.

3. Conclusion

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Sleep deprivation is a severe issue that people have to solve as soon as possible.
Neglecting to address it in a timely manner might have disastrous effects on one's
physical and mental well-being. To minimize insomnia, people should have specific plans
to have a more perfect sleep. Make sure to see your competent health professional if
taking preventive measures proves to be ineffective. Health depends on obtaining enough
sleep on a regular basis, so persevere until people do.

Word count: 1842.

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