What are the effects of long-term sleep deprivation?

Are there any long term effects of sleep deprivation? (14 year old)?

• So I've been getting a range of 7 hours of sleep on a really good night to only 2 hours of sleep on some nights before big tests. I'm 14 and just finished freshmen year in a very demanding high school. On average I would say I get about 5 and a half hours of sleep a day, but it ranges. Normally before a test I get only 4 and a half hours of sleep, and we have tests sometimes up to 3 or 4 days of the school week. I normally go to bed at 12:30-1 something and wake up at 5 in the morning to study again before the test. On non-testing days I wake up at 6. Are their any long term effects? This will only get worse throughout high school. Will it hurt your health? I'm never terribly tired, but after a long week I can start to feel the effects. I fall asleep as soon as I get home, and can nap until someone bothers to wake me up. Comments?

• Answer:

  Someone your age should get 9-10 hours of sleep a night. I know thats not always possible, but thats how much teenagers need. Sleep deprivation will eventually affect your memory and make you more prone to accidents. Maybe you could try going to bed earlier. Start with a half hour and then a little longer once you get used to it. It can also affect your health because if your body is not rested you are more prone to becoming sick. You may also suffer depression and anger due to lack of sleep. Very big problem in teens - you are not alone. I am a registered sleep tech, so I know about these things :) Good Luck. Kathy