Why can’t I sleep? An interview with Dr. Harrington

It seems like everyone we know is struggling with daytime fatigue. But how do we know if our “tired” is due to bad sleep hygiene vs. a serious sleep disorder? World renowned sleep expert Dr. Carmel Harrington answers this and other frequently asked sleep questions in the first of a two-part ResMed interview:

ResMed: What are the main causes of sleep problems?

Dr. Carmel Harrington: We often think that sleep problems are a consequence of poor sleep habits, like drinking coffee too late in the day. However, research indicates that the reasons are more varied than this and while poor quality sleep may well be a result of poor sleep behavior, it’s frequently associated with another underlying problem such as depression, anxiety or sleep apnea. Abuse of alcohol or substances is another cause.

R: What are the emotional consequences of not getting enough sleep?

CH: A bad night of sleep will invariably result in a poor mood state which can manifest as grumpiness, a short temper, intolerance and a general lack of motivation.

R: How does sleeplessness affect other aspects of our lives?

CH: Not only are we generally in a bad mood after poor sleep, but we are also less inclined to want to exercise and to participate in general activities. This lack of energy directly affects our sex drive, which also decreases as a consequence of sleeplessness. Sleep also directly affects our ability to learn and to think. In a sleep-deprived state, it has been shown time and again that we become poor decision-makers, we are much more likely to make mistakes and our ability to learn is seriously impaired.

R: Are there more serious consequences?

CH: Yes. While the negative impacts on mood and thinking are considerable, a far greater and more serious problem of sleeplessness is the increased likelihood of a work or motor vehicle accidents. Studies show that people with sleeping problems are seven times more likely to be involved in such accidents. Indeed, some of the more well-known occupational disasters such as the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant disaster, the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion have been found to be a direct result of operator fatigue.

R: What about the long-term effects?

CH: While the short-term consequences of sleeplessness are well recognized by anyone who suffers from them, the long-term effects of ongoing sleep deprivation may come as a surprise. People suffering from chronic sleeplessness are far more likely to develop depression,⁶ high blood pressure⁷ and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes⁸ and obesity.⁹

Part two includes Dr. Harrington’s advice on how to prepare for a good night’s sleep and at what point you should talk with your doctor about your sleep or daytime fatigue.

Dr. Carmel Harrington, PhD, LLB, BSC, DIPED, is a sleep scientist and author of The Complete Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep and The Sleep Diet.