How does lack of sleep affect us?

How does lack of sleep affect us?

Chris Idzikowski (Director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre) gives expert video advice on: What is sleep deprivation?; What is sleep restriction?; Does sleep deprivation have cumulative effect? and more...

I'd always say the impact on the body is pretty mild and most of the recovery effects can be gained by just resting. But as far as the brain is concerned, concentration and vigilence are usually affected by even short amounts of sleep restriction. With sleep depravation over and above that, one gets other higher order effects coming in, serious risk taking and suggestibility increase but also things like saying the same thing or working a solution the same way even though the conditions have changed and just stereotypical responses continue in the same way all occur with sleep restriction.