How Sleep Deprivation Leads to Drug/Medication Use

In today’s world, many pressures can lead to sleepless nights. People who have difficulty sleeping are more susceptible to drug and medication use as a coping mechanism. Sleep deprivation is the state of not getting enough restorative sleep regularly. The consequences of this can be harmful and even life-threatening in some cases. The exhaustion from a lack of falling asleep can also increase the risk for substance abuse, as deprived people often have impaired decision-making skills. The inability to fall asleep also leads many people to take medication or drugs to induce drowsiness, another consequence of insufficient rest.

The Effects of the Deprivation

The effects of the deprivation can vary depending on how long one has been deprived. One of the early signs of deprivation is daytime drowsiness, leading to a lack of productivity and serious accidents. The severity of this deprivation can vary from person to person, but it can be dangerous even after just one night with insufficient rest. This deprivation also affects your brain and mood, leading to hallucinations when you are in a dark, quiet environment. Some other effects include mood swings, lack of focus and attention, increased risk of heart issues, and an increased risk of diabetes. The deprivation also affects your immune systems, increasing your risk of certain diseases. You become up to four times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the cold virus than people who fall asleep adequately.

How Deprivation Leads to Drug/Medication Use

When you are sleepless, you often experience a lack of motivation and decreased energy. You often experience mood swings and impulsive behavior. These factors can make it more difficult for you to make wise decisions. Because of these factors, you will be more likely to turn to drugs and medication to get through the day. One of the main reasons the deprivation leads to drug and medication use is that many people mistakenly believe sleep medications can help them fall asleep. Some of the most common drugs to induce falling asleep include alcohol, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives. Some sleep medications can make you fall asleep, but they do not provide restorative sleep, so they do not solve the problem.

What Triggers the Deprivation?

Some common causes of this deprivation include a disorder, lack of sleeping hygiene, stress, and a change in routine. Some diseases that can cause deprivation include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders. Lack of sleeping hygiene refers to behaviors or conditions that interfere with falling asleep. Some conditions that could cause the deprivation include excessive lighting, excess noise, extreme temperatures, and the presence of certain chemicals. Stress is a prevalent cause of this deprivation. When stressed, you often have trouble relaxing enough to fall asleep. And sometimes, a change in routine can make it harder to fall asleep.

Managing Deprivation and Avoid Drug/Medication

Sleep study refers to a test that can help determine whether you have sleep apnea. The study is done with a polysomnography machine hooked up to the person’s body. The device measures your sleep by measuring your oxygen levels, breathing, brain waves, and heart rate. If you have trouble sleeping regularly and think you may have the disorder, it is essential to visit 1-888-Sleep-Doc. They can order a sleep study, a diagnostic test that can help them determine whether you have the condition and its severity. Once 1-888-Sleep-Doc determine this, they can recommend treatment to help you fall asleep better and have fewer long-term health effects.

Conclusion

Sleep deprivation is a major problem that can lead to many long-term health issues. The best way to avoid this deprivation is to get a consistent amount with good quality of sleep each night. This can be different for every person, but the general rule is that younger people should get nine to 10 hours of sleep while older people should get seven to eight hours.