Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
How Long Can You Survive Without Sleep?
After a few days of not sleeping, severe symptoms can developincluding hallucinations and psychosis.
The stages of sleep deprivation dont take long to progress, usually playing out over just a few days.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
However, if you continue to not get enough rest, the symptoms of sleep deprivation will get worse.
At this stage of sleep deprivation, you may have a hard time focusing or doing your usual tasks.
When you are awake, youll probably feel extremely tired and even physically weak.
You may also feel paranoid and anxious, or have delusional thinking.
These conditions make it physically impossible for a person to get enough sleep.
They may want you to go to urgent care or the ER if they think your condition is serious.
Driving at night is also more likely to result in accidents in sleep-deprived people.
Injuries and Work Accidents
Work accidents and injuries are more likely to occur overnight.
Shift work is a major risk factor for the dangerous effects of sleep deprivation.
Some major work-associated disasters have partly been blamed on sleep deprivation.
Cardiovascular Disease
Insufficient sleep may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks.
Over time, this can increase the risk of diabetes or make existing diabetes worse.
Studies have shown an association between sleep deprivation and anincreased risk of obesity.
The connection between sleep and mood goes in the other direction, too.
For example, anxiety is a major contributor to insomnia.
However, using these treatments is not usually a long-term solution for sleep problems.
Evaluate Your Habits
Many people have habits that keep them awake at night.
Regulating your schedule and limiting certain activities can help.
Find More Balance
Work and family responsibilities are other common causes of sleep deprivation.
For shift workers,sleep patterns should be adjustedso that sleep and wake times are consistent.
A lack of sleep can lead to potentially fatal accidents or injuries.
Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to an early death by increasing your risk of chronic health conditions.
A lack of sleep is a problem you should take seriously.
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