Sleep Deprivation Brings Alcohol-Like Impairment and Higher Disease Risk, Experts Warn

Overview

• Sleep specialist Nuria Roure says staying awake for more than 20 hours or sleeping only about four hours can impair attention at levels comparable to drinking roughly six beers.
• Reporting links persistent short sleep to hypertension, diabetes, obesity and weakened immunity, and cites higher rates of workplace and traffic accidents.
• Studies cited by G1 indicate adults who sleep less than six hours a night face about a 48% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Spanish Sleep Society data show people in Spain average six to six and a half hours per night, below the seven to eight hours typically recommended for adults.
• Experts urge a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine after 16:00, reducing evening screen light and seeking medical evaluation for persistent insomnia, with adolescents advised to target about nine hours.