If you have been mighty proud at having stayed awake for long hours, think again. Latest studies have shown that sleep deprivation produces the same effect as with being drunk.
Yes, it may come as a surprise but a study has shown that when you lack sleep, you are like someone who is under the influence of alcohol. This applies to any situation and not only when you're driving. Whether you're taking an exam or working, being sleep deprived robs you of the opportunity to be at your 100 percent.
Huffington Post reported that when you have not slept for 17 to 19 hours, your performance is equal to or worse than somebody with a 0.05 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. Sleeplessness of more than 19 hours will eventually result to a BAC of 0.1 percent. If you're over 21 with a BAC of more 0.08 percent, you'll end up being charged with DUI per se in most states, although it also does not follow that those with a BAC of less than 0.08 percent can go scot free.
Aside from the resulting BAC levels, sleep deprivation and being drunk produce similar characteristics. For instance, lack of sleep slows down your reaction time, the same with being drunk. It also diminishes your awareness and impairs your judgment.
National Post said that in terms of work, sleep deprivation also results to poor cognitive performance in the workplace, just like being drunk. Productivity is highly affected at work, which in turn creates a negative impact on the nation's health.
In addition to making you act like drunk, sleep deprivation also increases your risk for a stroke and high blood pressure. These two are considered as silent killers that could strike at any moment. So before reaching the stage that you will be suffering from these ailments, better correct your sleeping habits and refrain from being sleep deprived.
