Sleep deprivation is something that millions of people struggle with in the US. Numerous health complications can develop due to sleep loss. It’s essential to understand the cause to help prevent it and know when it’s time to seek treatment.

Many people of all ages experience sleep deprivation at some point in their lives, with some circumstances being more chronic than others. This is due to a variety of reasons, many of which pertain to the busy nature of the modern world or external factors in their environment. It can also be caused by many different medical conditions. Regardless of the cause, you shouldn't take sleep deprivation lightly, and there's plenty you can do to get the rest your body and mind need.

Around 57% of adults in the U.S. aged 40 or older struggle with sleep deprivation, and this is only a small demographic of those who experience it. This can lead to a broad range of other health complications, which can create a snowball effect. One reason people suffer from sleep deprivation for so long is that they don't know the exact cause of it. Many people feel a sense of hopelessness regarding their sleep quality, but it doesn't have to be a permanent issue.

A lack of sleep can be a complex topic with myriad causes, but many treatments are available. Each person is unique when it comes to tackling sleep deprivation, and it may require a customized approach for your specific circumstance. If you feel like you’re having a hard time getting a good night's rest, it’s vital that you understand how to prevent sleep deprivation moving forward.

What are the causes of sleep deprivation?

There’s usually an underlying cause behind sleep deprivation, which looks different depending on the individual. Although complications with sleep can become more challenging with age, it can affect people of all ages. Even if there are many potential causes related to sleep deprivation, a few are relatively common.

Some common causes of sleep deprivation include:

• Natural aging, as developing health issues and various medications can affect sleep
• A sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy
• General stress or a change in environment and routine
• Various illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and more

It’s vital that you consider the seriousness of sleep deprivation, as it can eventually lead to much more significant health concerns. Getting a handle on your sleep deprivation may require consistent practice with lifestyle changes. Between tips and tricks you can practice in your daily schedule to more specific medical treatment, you have many options to choose from.

Tips to alleviate sleep deprivation

Thankfully, there are many suggestions you can integrate into your daily schedule that will lead to better sleep on a nightly basis. Some may work better for you than others, but most are easy to practice and can work wonders for your quality of rest. It will take some trial and error before you find what works best for you, but it's essential to be consistent; otherwise, you may not see substantial results.

Most of the tips that are known to offer the best results require minor adjustments to your lifestyle. Although this can be difficult for some, the benefits far outweigh the challenges, as well as the discomfort and health complications from a lack of sleep. For those struggling with mild or chronic sleep deprivation, try the following tips to help develop healthier sleeping patterns.

• Form a regular sleeping schedule

In many cases, people suffer from sleep deprivation due to an inconsistent sleep schedule. When this becomes a consistent issue, sleep deprivation will only get worse over time. External factors usually cause an irregular sleep schedule, so sticking to a specific time frame can help train your body and mind to crave rest at a similar time each day.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Both are completely fine in moderation, but it's essential to understand their detrimental effect on your sleep, at least after a specific time frame. If you know what time you may be heading to bed, avoid caffeine or alcohol at least 8 hours before then. Both are known to significantly affect your quality of sleep and can make it more difficult to fall asleep in the first place.

• Minimize your screen time

People of all ages use technology every day, and many don't realize how much screen time can affect their ability to fall asleep. The blue light from laptops, smartphones, and TVs can strain the eyes and make it harder for the brain to rest. This can be an easy fix, as limiting your screen time to at least one hour before bed can make it easier to fall asleep.

• Utilizing meditation techniques

Meditation is known for its many health benefits, and you can use it to your advantage to help fight against sleep deprivation. People use various techniques to aid in a consistent and healthy sleep schedule; most methods only take a few minutes. Meditation can promote mindfulness and relaxation and even reduce anxiety and stress, all of which can affect your ability to get sufficient rest.

The list of tips you can use at your disposal only goes on from there, but if these don't seem to be helping your case, it may be time to seek medical treatment. This generally includes a combination of preventative care and medical practices specifically geared toward improving sleep and defining the underlying cause of sleep deprivation.

If sleep deprivation goes unaddressed, there's a good chance you'll face more severe health complications that will only compound your problem. By focusing on sleep hygiene with your daily habits and seeking treatment when you need it, you'll be able to improve your sleep and overall health in the long run.

How ModRN Health can help

You may encounter prescription medicine to help mitigate your sleep deprivation when seeking medical treatment. This can be rather costly depending on your health care needs, but it doesn't have to be. By working with us, you can easily fill your prescriptions, and you’ll also gain Rewards Points by using our service.

After signing up, you can keep track of prescription refills by setting reminders that we can deliver via SMS or email. Sleep deprivation is a health concern for anyone, and you shouldn't have to break the bank to get the treatment you need.