The timing of sleep deprivation symptoms can be divided into the following stages:
This begins after about 16 hours without sleep, and is marked by reduced cognitive performance.
This starts after 24 hours of wakefulness. Symptoms include:
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Sleepiness
Feeling angry
Decreased attention
Trembling
Fatigue and exhaustion
Loss of motor coordination
Puffy eyes and dark under-eye circles
Food cravings
Increased risk of causing or being involved in traffic accidents
Occurs after 36 hours without sleep. The person may experience brief “microsleeps” lasting less than 30 seconds. Symptoms include:
Memory issues and difficulty learning new information
Behavioral changes
Impaired decision-making
Increased appetite
Weakened immune system
Intense fatigue
This starts after 48 hours without sleep. There is a risk of experiencing hallucinations, along with other symptoms:
Heightened psychological stress
Extreme exhaustion
After 72 hours (3 days) of sleep deprivation, symptoms intensify. Brief microsleeps become more frequent and longer. Hallucinations may worsen, and illusions and disorganized thinking may also occur.
This is the final stage, occurring after 96 hours (4 days) or more without sleep. It is characterized by:
Severe cognitive impairment
An uncontrollable urge to sleep
Potential onset of sleep deprivation psychosis, which is the loss of ability to distinguish reality. Fortunately, this condition typically disappears after getting enough rest.
Let’s now look at the role of meditation in preventing this condition. Research shows that various types of meditation help treat insomnia and improve sleep quality even in those who don’t suffer from it. We also recommend downloading the Tawazon app, which offers comprehensive information on different types of meditation, along with guided sessions and podcasts.
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