Long-Term Effects of Lack of Sleep on Memory

There is a difference between sleep deprivation and insomnia but both can affect human memory. The body needs sleep to function properly. Sleep is the time when the body gets its rest, refreshment and rebuilds. A lack of sleep can cause more than just irritability, it can cause sickness and memory problems.

Lack of Concentration

• Falling asleep at the wheel is dangerous to more that just the driver.

  Missing sleep can cause a lack of concentration, which includes a shortened memory. This can lead to problems at work and at home. Concentration is needed to ensure that people do not get hurt. Operating heavy machinery and not being able to concentrate can lead to missing fingers and other life-threatening injuries. It is also dangerous to drive in this condition, in which not only the sleep-deprived person may get injured, but also anyone else driving on the road with them.

Health Problems

• Lack of sleep can bring long-term health issues. Long- and short-term memory may be lost and never return. Too much stress can bring the same result, according to "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers," a book by Robert Sapolsky. It is important to get the right amount of sleep -- from six to nine hours a night, depending on the person.

Irritability

• Lack of sleep can cause a person to be quick to anger, and because of the loss of memory associated with sleep loss, they may do things to people they care about and not remember they have done them. Bouts of rage and anger towards those close to the sleep-deprived person can lead to dangerous actions.