Restless leg syndrome is the uncomfortable sensation in legs with the urge to move them. This keeps sufferers awake because it is also accompanied by pins and needles sensations and muscle tics. Narcolepsy is another central nervous system disorder that results in excessive daytime sleepiness. There is loss of muscle tone, inability to move or speak, or distorted perceptions.

Other possible causes of sleep deprivation are medical problems such as heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, chronic pain, COPD, asthma, strokes, headache syndrome, neuromuscular diseases, anxiety, panic attacks, drug or alcohol use, and disruptions to the circadian cycle (the pattern of wakefulness and sleep).

Lifestyle and occupational causes also can contribute to lack of sleep. Longer work hours, and a greater number of shift workers amounting to 20 percent of the workforce leave some with a great sleep debt. Adults who leave for work between midnight and 5:30 a.m. jumped 24 percent over a 10-year period. Also, greater access to the Internet and television contributes to late-night hours.

So if you feel fatigued and tired when you get out of bed and find yourself drowsy and unable to concentrate at work, you may be the victim of sleep deprivation. If this condition is chronic, it is time to see your physician for an exam. Though it may not seem like a big deal to you, remember there are many physically and mentally adverse conditions associated with sleep deprivation, so this is nothing to ignore. Your health depends on a good night’s sleep.