Sleep loss: Impact on self-reported sleepiness, effort, performance, and motivation

Sleep loss is a common phenomenon in today’s world. Self-reported perceptions are very important to understand the effects of sleep deprivation in an individual. Sleep loss can cause a range of neurobehavioral deficits, including lapse of attention, reduced cognitive ability, decreased memory and thought recall, and depressed mood. Certain occupations require individuals such as factory workers, truck drivers, public transport operators, aircraft pilots, and health care professionals to work extended or irregular hours, putting them at an increased risk of sleep loss. An individual’s natural circadian rhythm requires him or her to be awake during the day and sleep at night. Sleep deprivation, as well as shift work, can interact with the circadian rhythm to create situations that reduce physical and mental capabilities. Studies have demonstrated many negative effects of sleep deprivation on physical and cognitive performance, which are commonly manifested in individuals by symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, worsening anxiety, automobile accidents, irritability, decreased job performance, and depression.