The Dangers of Not Getting Enough Sleep August 11, 2025 We all know the groggy, grumpy feeling after a bad night’s sleep. But what happens when one rough night becomes the norm? Sleep deprivation isn’t just about feeling tired - it can have serious effects on your health, mood, brain function, and even your safety.1 Sleep deprivation happens when you consistently don’t get enough sleep to meet your body’s needs. Around one-third of Australians are thought to be sleep deprived - a figure that’s as alarming as it is relatable.1 Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s a vital process where your body and brain recover, repair, and perform essential functions like memory formation, emotional regulation, hormone balancing, and immune support.1 How Much Sleep Do You Really Need? The Sleep Health Foundation recommends 7-9 hours for adults, a bit more for teens, and slightly less for older adults.1 But sleep needs vary from person to person - some thrive on 6 hours, others struggle without 9.1 Genetics may also play a role in how much shut-eye you need.1 Warning Signs You're Not Getting Enough You might be sleep deprived if you2: Nod off unintentionally (on the couch, at work, while driving) Sleep much longer on weekends or need naps to get through the day Feel irritable, flat, or anxious Struggle to concentrate or remember things Feel constantly fatigued or unmotivated Crave sugary or high-fat foods Rely on caffeine to stay alert In more extreme cases, symptoms can include slowed reaction times, trouble speaking clearly, visual hallucinations, poor coordination, or even microsleeps - brief moments of unconsciousness that can happen without warning.2 The Physical Toll Sleep deprivation doesn’t just affect your energy levels - it can damage your health in more serious ways. Lack of sleep interferes with1-3: Heart health: Increases your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Metabolic function: Contributes to obesity, high cholesterol, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Immune function: Weakens your ability to fight off infections and lowers vaccine effectiveness. Hormone regulation: Disrupts growth and thyroid hormones, especially in children and young adults. Brain health: Sleep helps flush toxic proteins from the brain - the same ones linked to Alzheimer’s. Chronic sleep loss is associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Emotional and Mental Health Poor sleep is closely tied to mental health struggles - and the relationship is bi-directional.1 In other words, mental health struggles can disturb your sleep, and poor sleep can make those struggles worse. Sleep is essential for emotional stability and mental clarity. Risk on the Roads Driving while sleep-deprived can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Going without sleep for 20 hours is equivalent to having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% - more than the legal limit in Australia.3 Sleep loss slows your reaction time and impairs judgment, putting you and others at risk. Getting Help Matters If you’re struggling to sleep - or just not feeling rested - don’t brush it off. Talk to your doctor. Sleep disorders like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea are treatable, and improving your sleep could change your life. Your health, mood, and future are all resting on a good night’s sleep. Don’t let sleep deprivation become your new normal. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References Better Health Channel. “Sleep Deprivation.” Better Health Channel, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sleep-deprivation. Cleveland Clinic. “Sleep Deprivation: What It Is, Symptoms, Treatment & Stages.” Cleveland Clinic, 11 Aug. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23970-sleep-deprivation. Cleveland Clinic. “Here’s What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Sleep (and How Much You Really Need a Night).” Cleveland Clinic, 29 May 2024, health.clevelandclinic.org/happens-body-dont-get-enough-sleep.
