How a Lack of Sleep Causes a Lack of Energy

To make time for personal and professional responsibilities, some people often try to sleep less. Others have disorders that interfere with their sleep. Compromising sleep can decrease energy.

How Much Sleep

• Although sleep needs vary by person, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Children and teens need more. As many as 70 million Americans might be affected by sleep loss or sleep disorders, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Common Sleep Problems

• The most common sleep problems are insomnia, in which people have no medical conditions that affect their sleep but still have trouble sleeping; sleep apnea, with breathing interrupted during sleep; restless leg syndrome, which causes involuntary leg movement at night; and narcolepsy, which causes people to fall asleep at inappropriate times and places.

Consquences of Sleep Deprivation

• Although studies are inconclusive, sleep is thought to help the body conserve energy and fight infection. This is why a lack of sleep can leave people unmotivated or sluggish.

  Studies have shown that sleep can improve learning and memory and reduce stress and moodiness. Sleep deprivation can increase risks for high blood pressure and heart disease.

How to Improve Sleep

• People who have general problems sleeping, and not clinical disorders such as sleep apnea, should go to bed at the same time each night. They should avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed and should not exercise or eat too close to bedtime.

How to Get Help for Sleep Disorders

• People who have trouble falling or staying asleep, and people with daytime sleepiness, should consider seeing a doctor. Doctors often recommend that people with chronic sleep problems participate in a sleep study for diagnosis.