Abstract

Sleep is an essential biological process required for the maintenance of physiological homeostasis, cognitive performance, and metabolic balance. In modern societies, chronic sleep deprivation has become increasingly prevalent due to lifestyle changes, occupational demands, and technological influences. Insufficient sleep affects multiple physiological systems including the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and gastrointestinal systems. Experimental and epidemiological studies demonstrate that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive functions, alters hormonal balance, increases sympathetic nervous system activity, promotes systemic inflammation, and disrupts metabolic regulation. Furthermore, chronic sleep loss is associated with increased risks of obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. The mechanisms underlying these physiological alterations involve dysregulation of circadian rhythms, increased oxidative stress, neuroendocrine disturbances, and inflammatory responses. This review summarizes the current understanding of the physiological consequences of sleep deprivation in humans, focusing on its effects on major organ systems and underlying biological mechanisms. Understanding these effects is essential for developing preventive strategies and public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of sleep-related health disorders.

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