Sleep deprivation refers to the condition of not getting enough sleep, resulting in a lack of sufficient restorative rest. It occurs when an individual consistently fails to get the recommended amount of sleep needed for optimal functioning.
Related terms
Circadian rhythm: The internal biological clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle.
Insomnia: A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Microsleeps: Brief episodes of sleep that occur involuntarily during wakefulness, usually due to extreme fatigue.