Is there any effect of lack of sleep?

Question

I'am a medical student (first year), and I'm a kind of workaholic person. It's been a month since the college started, I sleep only 2.5-3 hours a day. I feel tired and sleep all day long, and I drink more than 3 cups of coffee just to keep my eyes opened. Is there any serious effects of lack of sleep?

I mean I feel tired and sleepy (not sleep).

I live in France, and here college started in September.

Answer 1

Absolutely. As a med student you should know that most often the sleep cycle is dictated by the circadian rhythm. If you're only getting around 3 hours of sleep a night you are not asleep long enough for you to be able to maintain a stable circadian cycle and you are not allowing your body enough R.E.M. sleep. This can profoundly alter your mental and physical well being and adversely affect your emotional and physical health. Lack of focus, lethargy, diminished critical thinking capacity, headaches, depression and other mental illness, as well as a plethora of other conditions and problems can arise from lack of proper rest. Get some rest and make an appointment to see someone about your condition. Avoid stimulants and try to get on a regular schedule where you can acustom your body to regular and healthy sleep patterns. But most of all get some sleep.

By the way what medical schools start in September? Almost everyone I've ever heard of starts in July.

Answer 2

Other than fatigue, lack of energy, and having dark circles under eyes, yes it can get serious in some cases. I have read a case where someone had little sleep or no sleep for (I have no idea how long)... but if you keep this up you will lose some brain cells and its capacity for you to think clearly as if you were drinking even though you are not. In some worst scenerio (although this is rare), this can even lead to death.

I know this is common for most college students like you & me... but sleep is just as important, and will help you study better. I would also suggest to not to take too many courses and to lay off the coffee especially at night... as it will make you feel even more exhausted and makes it harder for you to sleep properly.

Answer 3

Although it can be exhausting having lack of sleep, it's actually possible to reduce your body's requirement for sleep. Geoff Thompson's "A Book for the Seriously Stressed" (no I'm not affiliated to Thompson in any way) has methods for doing this. Geoff also briefly tells the story of a man who was shot in the head during one of the World Wars. He survived the wounding, but part of his brain was damaged so that he could no longer sleep at all. He was physically incapable of sleeping, and doctors & relatives were all panicking about how this was going to ruin his life, or even kill him. This turned out not to be the case. Whenever the man felt that his body was fatigued, he would simply lie down and relax. He would immobilise himself and just rest, while completely awake. Instead of killing him, the man was able to live a completely normal life.
Geoff also says that meditation is actually more restful for you than sleeping. If you have the time, try it out.

Answer 4

Oh, hell yeah! Big brain chemistry probs since deep sleep is where most of the re-charging of those chems/hormones happens, not to mention sleep is when your organs repair themselves. Lack of sleep screws with you cognitive ability--not good if your a med-student! Suggestions: wind down before you lay down--don't exercise, argue, play video games just before bed. Thry a glass of milk (tryptophan) or herbal tea.--night time blends. Obviously caffinated drinks should be cut off at least 6 hours before bedtime. Use a white noise machine or just a table fan to cover up noises that may be waking you. OO-here's a good one--take an OTC pain pill for subliminal pains that keep you tossing & turning. good luck.

Answer 5

Yes, usually it's the cause of slower thinking & looking older.
I know the medical world can really put alot of pressure on
you for your time, but, I would try to get in a few more hrs. of
sleep, just for your own health & general well being.
Your patients need you at your best. Good luck!!

Answer 6

Insomnia (sleeplessness) is due to stress, dietary and medical
problems. By making small lifestyle changes like having a fixed
daily routine, relaxing and eating properly, insomnia can be
cured. I found the information at http://tinyurl.com/jfzpz useful
for getting sleep.

Answer 7

I know when I don't get much sleep I start getting dizzy spells and head aches, but I think people react diff rent when they are lacking sleep.

Answer 8

I should ask one of your doctor-teacher.Anyway,sleeping is as important as food for instance,you need 6 up to 8 hours sleep per night otherwise you can feel tired,stressed and anxious.

Answer 9

Well, lack of sleep has become one of the highest occuring causes of death, especially in young people. If your body can't repair itself through sleep, you're done.

Answer 10

i think if you go long enought.. you will be weak and fragile forever....not just temporary...
for now you should definatly get more sleep and talk to your doctor..