The loss of sleep is a common problem in modern society, affecting many individuals at some point in their lives.

Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual gets less sleep than they need to feel awake and alert. People vary in how little sleep is needed to be considered sleep-deprived. Some people such as older adults seem to be more resistant to the effects of sleep deprivation, while others, especially children and young adults, are more vulnerable.

• Sleep loss alters normal functioning of attention and disrupts the ability to focus on environmental sensory input
• Lack of sleep has been implicated as playing a significant role in tragic accidents involving airplanes, ships, trains, automobiles and nuclear power plants
• Children and young adults are most vulnerable to the negative effects of sleep deprivation
• Sleep deprivation can be a symptom of an undiagnosed sleep disorder or other medical problem
  When you fail to get your required amount of sufficient sleep, you start to accumulate a sleep debt.

Prevention
Sleep deprivation can be linked to serious accidents and poor job or school performances. It can substantially lower an individual's overall quality of life. Lack of sleep disrupts the brain's ability to balance emotions and thinking abilities, lowers the body's natural defenses, and increases the chances of developing chronic medical problems.

While the occasional poor night's sleep is not a serious problem in itself, persistent sleep deprivation can be.

There is no substitute for restorative sleep. A certain amount of care should be taken to prevent ongoing sleep deprivation in individuals of all ages.