It’s possible that given enough time, sleep deprivation can kill you. While no human being is known to havedied from staying awake, animal research strongly suggests it could happen.
Even the worst insomniacs would eventually go into something called microsleep where they naturally drop off for short periods (as long as they’re not being prevented from doing so by external
Effects of sleep deprivation Short and long-term memory loss:
- Lack of concentration or ability to think clearly.
- Low mood and mood swings. Delayed reactions (which can cause accidents). Weaker immune system.
- More risk of high blood pressure.
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Increased risk of heart disease. Lower testosterone levels, which can affect sex drive.
- Possible weight gain, as hormones leptin and ghrelin which signal fulness to the brain are in short supply.
- Lack of balance and co-ordination.
Symptoms usually start with hallucinations, panic attacks, and mild insomnia, which quickly escalate into getting no deep sleep at all. Death usually occurs between seven and thirty-six months from onset.