Here’s what happens to your body when you don’t get enough sleep

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe concept of 'sleep debt' is a misleading metaphor, as sleep does not function like a financial debt that must be precisely repaid. When sleep is restricted, the body efficiently reorganises by prioritising deep, restorative sleep and sacrificing lighter sleep stages. After periods of insufficient sleep, recovery typically involves a few nights of longer, deeper sleep, but individuals do not need to repay the exact hours lost. Cognitive performance may take longer to return to baseline than physical sleep recovery after a run of short nights. Worrying about 'sleep debt' or receiving negative feedback about sleep quality can negatively impact mood and perceived tiredness, as individual sleep needs are variable and not fixed. In fullWhat is sleep debt? An expert explains what happens when you don’t get enough restMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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