Sleep deprivation and its impact on physical and mental health

Sleep quality and duration significantly impact physical, mental, and emotional health. Experts distinguish between fatigue, which can be caused by dehydration, diet, or screen time, and sleepiness, which is a direct biological signal that the body requires sleep.

Medical professionals highlight several conditions that can disrupt sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea—which affects approximately 17% of men and 9% of women aged 50 to 70—and restless legs syndrome. Symptoms of sleep deprivation can manifest through increased susceptibility to illness, mood swings, hormonal changes, and heightened sensitivity to pain.

To improve sleep hygiene, doctors recommend using the bed exclusively for sleep and intimacy rather than working. Persistent insomnia or symptoms such as loud snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep should be evaluated by a medical professional.