HomeAnswersNeurologysleepCan permanent changes in the brain result from sleep deprivation?

Will sleep deprivation cause any permanent changes in brain?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At March 9, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 14, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I do not used to sleep a lot from early age. Daily to the maximum I will sleep for 6-7 hours. Now, these days I find scary researches about how sleep deprivation can damage brain permanently. I want to know whether my condition too is also related to sleep deprivation. Will it cause any permanent subtle changes to my brain? Please help me.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Yes, the research has gained a lot of attention and we do consider the facts. But, what has been done cannot be reversed. However, if we go with clinical experience, usually people who modify back there lifestyle do not get any ill effects in life. In fact, I would advice in such case that you should stop thinking that what is reversible and what is not. Start living your life normally and take help with a psychiatrist if there is great difficulty in sleeping. One can be treated easily with hypnotic drugs which help in controlling these issues.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Is it a serious deprivation? If yes, is it reversible in my case? I get enough sleep now and will continue to do this.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. The deprivation that you had is not severe and the damage cannot be determined. If you are worried you can go ahead for cardiac evaluation. Practically speaking if you are taking proper sleep now then you are safe and nothing would harm you because of that issue. Reversibility is a term which can be used for a damage that is apparent. Since you do not have any apparent damage, you need not worry at all.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am experiencing some memory loss and concentration problems. And I am scared this will not get over. Is that true?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. In that case start takingCoenzyme Q10 which has some role in improving memory and concentration the safe way. Start doing meditation and yoga which would help you with memory issues. Exercise regularly which has proved to be very beneficial in improving concentration and memory.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Is it completely reversible? I would like to know this very broad and clear.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Try to understand that whatever you are feeling is not a disease that could be measured on basis of reversibility. If you follow the advice given then you would be fine again. So, in this way we can say that this is reversible.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

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