In a recent 2023 paper, researchers found that those who experience at least 24 hours of sleep deprivation have brain scan results consistent with 1-2 years of brain aging.
How lack of sleep affects the brain
Lack of sleep negatively affects human brain activity. For example, the formation of new memories or the preservation of old information.
It is during sleep that the human brain transfers information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Thus, there is a processing of information per day.
In addition, during a lack of sleep, the brain experiences stress, because of which it begins to save energy and temporarily turns off part of the neurons. Because of this, a person feels drowsiness, weakness, irritability, deterioration in concentration and coordination. It is also more difficult for a person to reason, make decisions and remember new information.
Thus, lack of sleep prevents brain cells from communicating effectively, which in turn can lead to a temporary deterioration in mental abilities, which affects memory and visual perception.
How lack of sleep affects the psyche
People who sleep poorly or little have a much higher risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders; they also find it harder to deal with stress. They fall into a vicious circle.
