Attempting to function at work, home, or school can seem impossible when you’re suffering from sleep deprivation. This common yet extremely dangerous problem can have devastating effects on your overall health and well-being, but did you know there are different stages? Discover what kind of treatment is available so that you can start getting the sleep you need.
What Are the Stages of Sleep Deprivation?
When your body is unable to get the necessary amount of rest each night, it is considered sleep deprivation. Over time, you can expect your symptoms to worsen. The stages include:
- Stage One: If you go 24 hours without sleep, you’ll likely be tired and at an increased risk of a driving accident. You might also struggle with alertness, and your ability to remember or pay attention will be reduced.
- Stage Two: Once you go 36 hours without proper rest, your brain and body experience a “necessary” or “forceful” desire to sleep. It’s possible that microsleeps will occur – those that last just seconds – and you may suffer from hallucinations.
- Stage Three: Going without or experiencing poor sleep for 48 hours is classified as extreme deprivation; it causes anxiety, irritability, and disorientation.
- Stage Four: If you have not slept or achieved only minimal rest after 72 hours, you can expect hallucinations, delusions, and the inability to think clearly. Your body will experience an uncontrollable need to rest, leading to longer microsleeps.
- Stage Five: The closest you will get to what experts believe to be acute psychosis is going without sleep for 96 hours or more.
Can You Reverse the Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation?
Yes, you can take control of your sleep patterns by making concerted efforts to change your lifestyle and habits.
If you notice that you wake up throughout the night choking or gasping for air, it may be that your sleep deprivation is caused by apnea episodes. If this is the case, you will need to schedule a consultation with a sleep expert to discuss your symptoms and determine if treatment is necessary. If you receive a formal diagnosis, you can decide whether CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, or another similar solution is best.
Other ways to improve your sleep quality include:
- Avoiding naps throughout the day
- Talking to a professional about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) if you struggle with insomnia
- Prescription medication provided by a trusted sleep specialist
- Setting an alarm that alerts you when to go to bed and when to wake up
- Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine
- Avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime
- Creating a sleep-positive environment, complete with blackout curtains, cool bedding, and no screens
- Minimize your consumption of caffeine before bed and in the morning
Sleep deprivation is nothing to joke about, but fortunately, it can be remedied with a proactive approach. By talking to a specialist and taking the appropriate steps, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel and function each day.
About the Practice
Star Sleep & Wellness in Dallas consists of multiple sleep specialists who work closely with patients who struggle with insomnia, sleep apnea, nocturia, snoring, and other similar sleep disorders. If you have difficulty getting an adequate amount of rest each night, and it’s beginning to take its toll on your physical health and well-being, contact us to find out what services we can provide to improve your quality of life.