Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual fails to get the amount of sleep that they need.
  • Sleep deprivation can occur due to various lifestyle, work and environmental factors. Sleep disorders and other chronic medical conditions can also cause sleep deprivation.
  • Not enough sleep or disruptions to to sleep can have a major impact on daytime functioning including poor concentration, reduced reaction times and altered mood. In children, sleep deprivation can affect behaviour and school performance.
  • Chronic sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on brain, metabolic (e.g., overweight/obesity, diabetes) and immune health.
  • Following healthy sleep recommendations, there are things that you can do to improve your sleep. If you need additional support, you should seek help from a GP.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 30-06-2014