Menu
Sleep is a basic human need, along with air, food, and water.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared sleep deprivation a public health emergency.
There are five key populations most impacted by sleep deprivation:
A. 1/3 of All Children and Adults
Adults
One-third of all adults and children in the U.S. do not get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation,
defined as sleeping less than 6 hours per night, is linked to anxiety, depression, diabetes, obesity,
dementia, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, injuries, and other serious conditions.According to medical
professionals, the average adult needs 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
Children
Sleep deprivation impacts children in many ways. Sleep deprivation impacts brain
development, their mental health, their behavior and their academic performance.
Children who don’t get enough sleep may have smaller volumes of gray matter in areas
of the brain that control attention, memory, and inhibition. Sleep deprivation in children
can increase their risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These
differences can persist for years.
B. People of Color
Sleep deprivation is an epidemic among people of color. Research shows that Black Americans,
in particular, experience higher rates of sleep deprivation compared to white populations. They
report shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, and more daytime sleepiness. Systemic
racism, socioeconomic disparities, and environmental stressors contribute to these disparities,
increasing health risks. These challenges are especially severe for Black women.
C. Seniors
For seniors, sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of falls and accidents, along with the risk
of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and
Parkinson’s. Poor sleep can also worsen confusion, mood changes, attention problems, and
depression, potentially speeding the progression of dementia.
D. People with Chronic Diseases
Sleep deprivation worsens the symptoms of chronic diseases by disrupting the body’s natural
healing processes. It weakens immune function, increases inflammation, and exacerbates
conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health disorders,
making them harder to manage. Poor sleep can further contribute to the progression of these
illnesses.
E. New and Prospective Parents
Pregnancy and early parenthood can be overwhelming, with sleep management being one of the
biggest challenges. A well-rested parent leads to a well-rested baby, which promotes better
mental health, bonding, and family well-being. Nearly 40% of pregnant women experience short
sleep duration (SSD), increasing their risk for impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and
gestational diabetes.
Sleep Research: A Partial List
1. The night gardeners: Immune cells rewire, repair brain while we sleep –
ScienceDaily, Oct 21, 2019
2. Getting good sleep could add years to your life – ScienceDaily, Feb 24, 2023
3. Sleep tight! Researchers identify the beneficial role of sleep – ScienceDaily, Mar 5,
2019
4. Blue light emitted by screens damages our sleep – ScienceDaily, Aug 22, 2017
5. Chronic sleep deprivation suppresses immune system – ScienceDaily, Jan 27, 2017
6. High-quality sleep promotes resilience to depression and anxiety – ScienceDaily, Jul
2023
7. Improving deep sleep may prevent dementia – ScienceDaily, Oct 30, 2023
