Does Too Little Sleep Affect the Brain?

The brain will not function well when sleep deprived, but it should not “shut down” completely. Research shows that lack of sleep causes mental, physical, and emotional health to suffer. Therefore, you will have more trouble concentrating and doing simple tasks when sleep deprived. Having had insomnia myself, it is a terrible feeling not to sleep well.

To improve your sleep, try these tricks:

Go to bed the same time every night, and rise the same time each morning. I know it sounds too structured, but it really can work.

Take a bath, read, or do some other relaxing activity (one that you know helps you to relax) before you go to bed. This will help your mind to quiet down so that you can sleep.

Try to exercise during the day to release your stress. Even simply walking outside for a few minutes can help.

Sleep in a quiet, dark, cool room. Turn off the TV, as it can be distracting. Turn all clock displays away from your line of vision so you don’t keep “looking at the clock.”

If you have tried these simple things and you are still not sleeping, you should be evaluated by a health professional. Many health conditions can cause insomnia, so it is important to make sure that some kind of health problem is not complicating the picture.

Does Too Little Sleep Affect the Brain? originally appeared on Caring.com.

Caring.com was created to help you care for your aging parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. As the leading destination for eldercare resources on the Internet, our mission is to give you the information and services you need to make better decisions, save time, and feel more supported. Caring.com provides the practical information, personal support, expert advice, and easy-to-use tools you need during this challenging time.

Read more: General Health, Health, Mental Wellness, brain, insomnia, sleep

By Jennifer Serafin, N.P., Caring.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Michele W.

3:50AM PDT on Oct 9, 2011

Thank you

send a green star

Bonnie M.

5:00PM PDT on Mar 23, 2011

Thank you for the information.

Gordana R.

3:02AM PDT on Mar 15, 2011

thanx for info

Neil A.

7:16AM PST on Mar 4, 2011

I find a good way to send yourself to sleep is to have a radio program on that turns off after 1/2 hour or so this sends me to sleep often even when I really want to stay awake & listen.

Bon L.

4:49AM PST on Mar 3, 2011

Thanks for the info.

Charlene R.

12:06AM PST on Mar 3, 2011

Ther is no doubt in my mind, that a lack of sleep effects the brain.

Many people, including medical personal, will try to tell you that you can not make up sleep.
I don't believe that for a minute.

When we are, without sufficient sleep, our bodies tell us something different. Pay attention to what our brains are saying.

Harriett M.

7:13PM PST on Mar 2, 2011

nice tips - only wish they worked!

Robert O.

1:46PM PST on Jan 11, 2011

It really can affect the brain and the body. I know firsthand. I have sleep apnea and heart problems so I've had more than my share of sleepness nights only to start the next morning feeling exhausted and looking like the walking dead.

KS G.

5:07AM PST on Jan 9, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Maria Eduarda F.

10:09AM PST on Jan 5, 2011

Not MY brain. I remember staying awake for the whole night a few times because I just couldn't sleep and not feeling tired/stressed at all on the next day. In fact, I find trying to sleep much more stressing than not sleeping.