SLEEP DEPRIVATION
   Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual gets less sleep than they need to feel awake and alert. There is no questioning the importance of restorative sleep, and a certain amount of attention is necessary to both manage and prevent sleep deprivation. Ongoing lack of sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, emotional difficulties, poor job performance, obesity and a lowered perception of quality of life.
   Some groups of people may consider sleep as wasted time and purposely deprive themselves of sleep to pursue other things such as entertainment, educational goals, or money-making pursuits. This intentional sleep deprivation is most likely to be seen in teenagers and young adults. Others may
unintentionally not get enough sleep because of shift work, family obligations, or demanding jobs. In addition, causes of sleep deprivation include medical problems such as depression, obstructive sleep neap, hormone imbalances, and other chronic illnesses.
   Treatment is only required when a person physically cannot get to sleep, due to either physical or psychological difficulties.A therapist or sleep specialist will be able to offer guidance and coping techniques for reaching a restful state and sleeping. Just give yourself a rest, prevention is better than cure.