Sleep deprivation facts for kids

Sleep deprivation happens when you don't get enough sleep. It can make you feel tired and affect your brain, making it harder to think clearly. This can be a short-term problem (called acute) or a long-term one (called chronic). Getting enough sleep is super important for your body and mind to work their best!

Main health effects of not getting enough sleep.

Puffy eyes and dark circles can be signs of not getting enough sleep.

What Happens When You Don't Sleep Enough?

When you don't get enough sleep, your body and brain can show many signs. These signs can affect how you feel, how you think, and even your physical health.

How You Might Feel

• Your muscles might ache.
• You might feel confused or forget things easily.
• You could feel sad or down.
• Sometimes, you might remember things that didn't actually happen.
• You might feel easily annoyed or grumpy.
• Kids might have more temper tantrums.
• You might yawn a lot.
• You could feel overly excited or have too much energy.

Physical Signs

• Your hands might shake a little.
• You could get headaches.
• You might feel generally unwell.
• You might get a stye (a small bump on your eyelid).
• You could have puffy eyes or "bags" under your eyes.
• Your eyes might move quickly and uncontrollably.

Health Risks

Not getting enough sleep can also lead to more serious health issues over time:

• Your blood pressure might go up.
• Your body might make more stress hormones.
• You could have a higher chance of getting diabetes.
• You might have a higher chance of getting fibromyalgia (a condition that causes pain all over your body).
• You could gain weight or become obese.
• In some serious cases, it can lead to seizures.
• It can also cause symptoms that look like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other serious mental health conditions.

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