Sleep deprivation effects on the brain

Sleep deprivation effects on the brain can be a little harder to identify than the physical effects of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation effects relating to the brain may be the most dangerous of all the consequences of lack of sleep, says a recent report.

At its most basic, effects of lack of sleep on the brain affect mood and the ability to make memories and learn. At a more advanced level, sleep deprivation can over-stimulate parts of the brain and even lead to permanent brain damage. This is because of the brain’s ‘neural plasticity’ - which means its ability to adapt to new situations - permanently alters itself when it’s forced to operate in a different state on a regular basis.

The lessons of sleep deprivation effects on the brain point to a need to try to maintain the recommended level of sleep which is six to eight hours each night