Sleep deprivation

Definition

Sleep deprivation refers to the condition of not getting enough sleep, resulting in a lack of sufficient restorative rest. It occurs when an individual consistently fails to get the recommended amount of sleep needed for optimal functioning.

Related terms

Circadian rhythm: The internal biological clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.

Insomnia:

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Microsleeps: Brief episodes of sleep that occur involuntarily during wakefulness, usually due to extreme fatigue.