Sleep deprivation occurs when a person does not get the sleep they need to sustain their health and well-being. As sleep debt increases over time, it begins to affect mental and physical health. Long-term sleep deprivation increases the risk of serious issues including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, while also lowering quality of life. Science has linked inadequate sleep to a range of health problems from weight gain to a weakened immune system.

If you’ve ever spent a night tossing and turning, you already know how it feels the next day tired, unfocused, and sluggish. What many people don’t realize is that your mattress plays a key role in sleep quality. Whether you’re in Kannur, Kochi, or anywhere in Kerala, a poor mattress can quietly contribute to long-term sleep issues.

The primary hormone responsible for sleep is melatonin, produced by the pineal gland. Its levels rise in the evening and lower in the morning. While other hormones like thyroid and progesterone influence sleep, their role is secondary to melatonin. Disrupted or poor sleep directly impacts melatonin levels, throwing off your sleep-wake cycle.

Sleep deprivation interferes with work, school, and social functioning. It also makes you more prone to stress and emotional imbalance. Sleep allows your body to:

• Conserve and store energy
• Repair and recover
• Rest and reorganize your brain

Every human needs sleep. On average, adults require 7 – 8 hours per night. A sudden change in sleep patterns can cause uneasiness, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep deprivation can take many forms, staying awake for too long, or getting poor-quality sleep, both result in waking up tired.

What is the Sleep Cycle?

Your body needs time to recharge and calibrate its systems for optimal health and efficiency. A full sleep cycle supports overall well-being. Here’s a breakdown of the stages:

Light Sleep
This stage accounts for around 5% of your total sleep. It begins just after you fall asleep and transitions you into deeper stages.

Deeper Sleep
Making up nearly 50% of the sleep cycle, this stage plays a crucial role in learning and memory retention.

Deepest Sleep
This stage covers around 25% of your sleep and reduces with age. It is the most restorative part of the cycle, as the body recovers and heals during this time.

REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement)
This is when you dream. Eyes move quickly under the eyelids and the brain becomes more active.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Beyond just feeling tired or low, sleep deprivation has several deeper effects on the body and mind.

Lower Mental Functions
Lack of sleep can impair mood, memory, attention span, and overall cognitive performance.

Unhealthy Mood
Sleep loss contributes to anxiety, frustration, and depression. It also affects your ability to regulate emotions.

Weight Gain
A full 7–8 hours of sleep supports a balanced metabolism. Sleep deprivation disrupts this balance, leading to increased appetite and weight gain.

Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

While insomnia and sleep deprivation are often confused, they’re not the same. Insomnia is when someone tries to sleep but can’t. Sleep deprivation is when a person doesn’t allocate enough time for sleep – or experiences disrupted rest.

Common symptoms include:

• Trouble focusing
• Daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty functioning at work or school
• Mood swings
• Loud snoring
• Spending more time trying to sleep than actually sleeping

Sleep deprivation can often be managed by making small lifestyle adjustments. Reducing screen time before bed, creating a calm sleep environment, and improving sleep hygiene can help.

A comfortable, supportive mattress makes a big difference, especially if you deal with back pain or interrupted sleep. A doctor-designed mattress, like those from Restlon Comforts, helps align your spine, reduce pressure, and promote deeper, more restorative rest, ideal for anyone searching for an orthopedic mattress in Kerala or simply a better way to sleep.

Dr. Ajas Khalid, Founder and Managing Director of Restlon Comforts, says:

“To be the best version of yourself, you need deep, restorative sleep — and nothing less.”