For the past 4-6 months, my memory has been pretty bad. I would come up with something in my head, and then forget what I was about to do 20 seconds later. I believe this may be because I am deprived of sleep? I haven't been getting much sleep lately, probably around 7 hours on average each night, which is a pretty decent amount, I guess, but I used to get around 9 hours on average. Furthermore, I fall asleep within 2-5 minutes every night, and I read that if you go to sleep that quickly, it is because you are very badly sleep deprived. So, do you guys think lack of sleep has caused my memory to get worse?
If it does then doctors in this country are screwed. That's pretty much what med school is, a stay awake-a-thon.
It's possible that you just have a lot on your mind so some things slip through the cracks. 7 hours should be more than sufficient.
I'm a shift worker, lack of sleep has played all sorts of tricks on my mind. 7 hours doesn't seem that bad but every one is diff. I know some people only need 3-4 hours on average. You may be pressing alittle thinking about it.
I'd be lucky to even get 7 these days. 5 is all I get, but I take power naps. Whatever you do, you must take power naps.
This is critical; quality honestly matters more than quantity (except for in extreme scenarios). Also, try making all the easy changes before seeing a doctor: sleep + wake up around the same time for ~a week, limited/no food/alcohol/drugs ~2hrs before bed, quiet environment, no midday naps, sleep continuously, etc. Trust me, a sleep aid is NOT a "quick fix." Those who need it would gladly go without it. ------------------------------------------ OP: Sleep deprivation definitely impacts brain and cognitive function. From what you have said, it appears that your working (short-term) memory is impaired. 7 hours is actually a great number, but you should try some of the simple suggestions if you don't wake up feeling rested.
I go through these phases where I'm good with 7-8 hours..perfectly energetic when I wake up and don't feel the need to take a nap during the day at all. It will be a few weeks of this but then I have another phase for a few weeks of me being exhausted no matter how many hours I get, even 9 or 10. My eyes look cloudy, feel heavy and I feel the need to take a nap constantly during the day..just have a hard time keeping my eyes open. I tend to have the most vivid dreams during this phase too, even if I nap for like 5 minutes.
??? -> Sleep Apnea -> waking up multiple times throughout the night -> poor quality sleep -> cognitive impairment (+ other bad stuff)
