What Happens When You Don't Get Enough Sleep?

QUESTION: What with studies, a part time job, and just plain too much to do,
I am sure I am not getting the sleep I should. I know it's having a bad
effect on me. What happens when you don't get enough sleep?
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ANSWER: After a couple of days without enough sleep, you get pretty grumpy.
After a longer period, that grumpiness and inability to concentrate become
more pronounced. Neurological, biochemical and hormonal changes occur when
sleep is disrupted; sleep is a powerful synchronizer of many of our body's
functions. Sleep research is difficult to perform because individuals vary
greatly in their need for sleep, and in their reactions to sleep disruptions.
We know that we all react to interrupted sleep with fatigue, inability to
concentrate and a general feeling of discomfort. However, we don't know what
the actual physical effects of sleep interruption can be. Chronic lack of
sleep is believed to have long-term health and psychological effects.
Total lack of sleep for more than four continuous days and nights often
causes psychotic reactions such as hallucinations and paranoid feelings. Some
people react with psychotic disturbances after as little as 24 hours without
sleep.
When you are faced with a lack of sleep, especially over a long period of
time, be sure you eat a balanced diet and get as much rest as possible. Try
to establish a regular pattern of sleep, even if you are not getting as much
sleep as you need. Burning the candle at both ends, and in the middle as
well, can not be helping your studies. Why not try a session with your school
counselor, and see if between you a more logical program can be developed that
can help you attack your problems without killing yourself.