Sleep deprivation can occur after just 24 hours of no sleep. However, the longer you spend awake, the more severe — and less tolerable — symptoms become.

In general, there are 5 stages of sleep deprivation. The stages are usually divided into 12-hour or 24-hour increments, and the symptoms become more severe the longer you stay awake.

There isn’t a universal timeline for sleep deprivation. The general stages are determined by how many hours of sleep you’ve missed. The symptoms of sleep deprivation tend to worsen for each stage.

Here’s what might happen to your body during sleep deprivation:

Stage 1: After 24 hours

Missing 24 hours of sleep won’t cause major health problems, but you can expect to feel tired, exhausted, or “off.”

Staying awake for 24 hours may increase your risk of errors and accidents in everyday tasks. This is because it reduces:

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), being awake for 24 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%Trusted Source.

The legal intoxication limit for driving is 0.08%, and driving impairment can be observed at 0.05%.

Stage 2: After 36 hours

When you miss 36 hours of sleep, you’ll have an overwhelming urge to sleep. This is called sleep pressureTrusted Source.

Along with the effects experienced from 24 hours of sleep deprivation, you may experience increased appetite and extreme fatigue.

You may also start to have microsleeps without realizing it. A microsleep usually lasts a few secondsTrusted Source.

After 24 hours of sleep deprivation, 2018 research has found that you may begin to hallucinate. This occurs when you see, hear, or feel things that aren’t actually there.

Stage 3: After 48 hours

Missing sleep for 48 hours is known as extreme sleep deprivation. At this point, it’ll be even harder to stay awake. You’re more likely to have microsleeps.

Other possible effects may include:

Stage 4: Awake for 72 hours

After 3 days of sleep loss, your urge to sleep will strengthen and possibly become uncontrollable. You may experience more frequent, longer microsleeps.

Sleep deprivation will significantly impair your perception. Your hallucinations might become more complex. You may also have:

  • complex hallucinations
  • delusions
  • disordered thinking

Stage 5: Awake for 96 hours or more

After 72 hours, your perception of reality may be severely distorted, resembling acute psychosis. Your urge for sleep will also feel unbearable.

These symptoms will go away once you get enough sleep.

It can take days or weeks to recover from sleep deprivation. Total sleep loss of 1 day may require over 2 daysTrusted Source of recovery sleep. The longer you’ve been awake, the longer it’ll take to get back on track.

You can start by going to bed earlier than what’s typical for you. It’s also a good idea to get at least 7 hours of restTrusted Source each night. This will help your body get back on schedule.

The best treatment depends on how much sleep you’ve missed. Possible options include:

  • Napping: If you’ve only lost a few hours of sleep, napping could reduce your symptoms. Avoid napping frequently or close to bedtime, as this may disruptTrusted Source your ability to sleep at night.
  • Breathing device: If your sleep deprivation is due to sleep apnea, you might be given a device to help you breathe during sleep. A CPAP machine is the most common option.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids: OTC sleep aids may help with the occasional sleepless night. You can develop a tolerance to them, so it’s best to use them sparingly. You should also talk with your doctor before using them. Some OTCs may worsen your sleep or cause daytime sleepiness.
  • Prescription sleeping pills: Your doctor may prescribe sleeping pills. But like OTC sleep aids, they can become less effective over time.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi): CBTi is the most effective treatment for sleep deprivation caused by chronic insomnia.

Healthy sleep hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent sleep deprivation. It may help you get quality sleep. You can tryTrusted Source:

  • going to bed and getting up at the same time every day
  • avoiding large meals and alcohol before bedtime
  • exercising regularly
  • maintaining a balanced diet
  • avoiding electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime
  • keeping your bedroom relaxing, quiet, and at a cool temperature
  • avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening

It’s expected to have the occasional sleepless night. However, if you still have trouble sleeping after practicing good sleep hygiene, talk with your doctor.

The first stage of sleep deprivation occurs after 24 hours of missed sleep. As sleep deprivation continues, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay awake. It may also impair your cognitive function and perception of reality.

Proper sleep hygiene may help you recover from and prevent sleep deprivation. These habits include exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime, among other strategies.

If you still have trouble getting a good night’s rest after practicing good sleep habits, talk with your doctor.

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