Question

10_ Sleep is a topic that is discussed in virtually every chapter of the text, which indicates that it is extremely important. Provide at least five aversive consequences associated with sleep deprivation.

Answer 1

Sleep deprivation is associated with several aversive consequences on the body's physiological functioning:

1. Central Nervous System: Sleep deprivation disrupts daily cognitive functioning such as learning, memory, and attention along with decision making, problem solving and creativity.

2. Immune System: Sleep promotes the formation of cytokines, substances that fight infections and combat foreign elements. Long-term sleep deprivation can inhibit the production of cytokines, thereby increasing chances of illnesses and infections.

3. Digestive System: Sleep regulates the levels of leptin and ghrelin, hormones that impact feelings of hunger and fullness. Sleep deprivation is can thus increase an individual's risk of becoming overweight or obese.

4. Cardiovascular System: Cardiovascular dysfunction and diseases are linked to sleep deprivation. as sleep affects processes including blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which ultimately determine the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

5. Endocrine System: The production of several hormones such as testosterone, growth hormone, prolactin and the inhibition of other hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone and cortisol are associated with sleep. Sleep deprivation on a long-term basis can lead to an imbalance in the endocrine system functioning.