Sample from ‘Sleep’

The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation

You would not run on an injured leg, so why force yourself to stay awake when suffering from sleep deprivation? The dangers of sleep loss can be easy to ignore with the help of energising caffeine and stimulating blue light surrounding us from all angles. However, the health repercussions of depriving ourselves of sleep can be life-changing and threatening.

Microsleeps are brief, involuntary periods of sleep that can have dangerous results. This sudden sleep is the body’s response to sleep deprivation and is often experienced by night shift workers. Microsleep can strike the sleeper at any time — whilst driving, holding a baby or operating heavy machinery. Even though these episodes might last mere seconds, they can have devastating long-term consequences. When you are sleep deprived you might not know you are, so watch out for signs of reduced cognitive performance, slow thinking, delayed reactions, irritability and confusion.

The longer sleep deprivation goes on, the longer the body stays in a cortisol and adrenaline-fueled, fight or flight mode which over time can lead to high blood pressure, anxiety and increased risk of stroke or heart attacks. However, even one bad night’s sleep is enough to result in an increase in anxiety levels and a reduction in anti-cancer-fighting cell production. Experiencing regular sleep loss can trigger events that lead to increased chances of developing cancers, cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, psychiatric conditions and metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Rest assured though, a good sleep every day will help keep the doctor away…

Sample from ‘Crystals’

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