Sleep Deprivation's Physical Impact: Shaky Body, Unsteady Mind

Sleep deprivation can have a wide range of effects on the body and mind, and one of the most common symptoms is shakiness. This can manifest as trembling or vibrating sensations throughout the body or in specific parts, such as the hands and feet. There are several factors that contribute to this feeling of shakiness when sleep-deprived. Firstly, sleep loss affects the body's nervous system, causing an increase in stress hormones like cortisol. This hyperstimulation of the nervous system can lead to muscle twitching, spasms, and tension, resulting in a shaky feeling. Additionally, sleep deprivation can cause changes in vital signs, including increased heart rate and respiration, which may contribute to the sensation of shakiness. Other factors, such as caffeine consumption, anxiety, and low blood sugar, can also play a role in feeling shaky when sleep-deprived.

Sleep deprivation can cause tremors and shakiness

Sleep deprivation can also cause a range of other symptoms, including:

• Uncontrolled reflexive movements of the eyes (nystagmus)
• Droopy eyelids (ptosis)
• Slow (sluggish) corneal reflexes
• An oversensitive (hyperactive) gag reflex
• An irregular heartbeat
• Higher pain sensitivity
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Poor concentration
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of energy
• Slow reaction time

In addition, sleep deprivation can negatively impact your overall health and well-being, increasing the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and possibly cancer. It can also weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.

Therefore, it is essential to prioritize adequate and quality sleep to maintain optimal physical and mental health.

Low blood sugar can lead to shakiness

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia, happens when blood sugar levels drop below 70 milligrams (mg) per deciliter. It is often caused by a person with diabetes taking more insulin or medication than they need to lower their blood sugar. However, it can affect anyone, not just those with diabetes.

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia

• Fast heartbeat (tachycardia) and palpitations
• Tiredness and irritability
• Crying or yelling during sleep
• Feeling confused or disoriented upon waking
• Sweating

Causes of Hypoglycaemia

• Not eating enough or going without food for a long time
• Drinking excessive alcohol
• Engaging in intense exercise
• Taking too high a dose of medication, such as insulin, if you have diabetes

Treatment

If you are experiencing hypoglycaemia, it is important to eat a carb-rich snack or drink fluids and electrolytes to raise your blood sugar levels. If you are experiencing frequent hypoglycaemic episodes, speak to your doctor about adjusting your medication dosage.

Prevention

To prevent hypoglycaemia, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Avoid going long periods without eating and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. If you have diabetes, carefully monitor your blood sugar levels and work with your healthcare provider to keep them stable.

Anxiety and panic attacks can cause shaking

Shaking is a natural physiological response to stress. It is the body's way of preparing itself to deal with a perceived threat or life-threatening event. When faced with such a situation, the body releases stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, which cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This is known as the "fight, flight, or freeze" response, and it primes the muscles to act, leading to shaking or trembling.

Anxiety and panic attacks can trigger this response, even when there is no immediate danger. During an anxiety or panic attack, the body reacts as if it were facing a threat, and this can lead to uncontrollable shaking or trembling. Other symptoms that may accompany the shaking include:

• Increased heart rate
• Temperature changes, either hot or cold
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Muscle aches and pains
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Chest pain

While the shaking caused by anxiety or a panic attack is not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and distressing. If you frequently experience shaking due to anxiety or panic attacks, there are techniques you can use to help manage the symptoms:

• Deep breathing: Slow, deep breaths can promote a sense of calm and reduce hyperventilation.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves contracting and then releasing different muscle groups, often in tandem with deep breathing, to help the body relax and stop trembling.
• Yoga: Yoga poses such as the child's pose and sun salutations can help regulate breathing and bring calm to the body. Regular yoga practice has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms.
• Mindfulness exercises: Meditation exercises can help to stop the shaking and reduce anxiety by incorporating deep breathing and promoting awareness and relaxation.

In addition to these short-term strategies, long-term solutions for managing anxiety and panic attacks include medication and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EDMR) can help individuals identify triggers and develop strategies to manage their anxiety. Medications such as benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may also be prescribed to help manage anxiety and panic attacks.

Dehydration may result in feeling weak and shaky

Dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluids than they take in. This can be caused by nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and profuse sweating. As the body is 60% fluid, dehydration can have serious consequences.

Dehydration can cause dizziness or fainting. This is because dehydration means there is not enough fluid in the blood vessels, so blood flow to the brain is reduced. This can cause a person to feel dizzy, and they may even pass out. Dehydration can also cause muscle cramps and weakness, as well as reduced blood flow to the brain.

Another symptom of dehydration is constipation or less frequent urination. Water helps to flush out toxins and keeps the digestive system running smoothly. Adequate hydration means a person should be urinating every two to three hours and having regular bowel movements.

Dehydration can also cause fatigue, headaches, and confusion. Low blood flow due to dehydration can cause these symptoms, and a person may feel less sharp than usual.

The easiest way to check if you are dehydrated is to look at the colour of your urine. If it is pale and clear, you are probably not dehydrated. However, if it is dark yellow or brown, this is a sign of dehydration, and you should drink more water.

Medication side effects can include shakiness

Sleep is essential for the body to regenerate certain systems and carry out specific processes. Not getting enough sleep or enough quality sleep can have negative effects on the body and brain. While shakiness after a lack of sleep can be caused by low blood sugar, anxiety, or panic attacks, it can also be a side effect of certain medications.

Medication-induced tremors are involuntary shaking caused by the use of certain medicines. Tremors can occur when you move or try to hold your arms, hands, or head in a certain position. They can also affect your eyelids, legs, trunk, or vocal cords. The shaking is usually fast, at about 4 to 12 movements per second. Tremors can be episodic, occurring in bursts, or sporadic, happening occasionally without correlation to medication intake. They usually disappear during sleep but can worsen with emotional stress and voluntary movements.

Many types of medications can cause tremors, including:

• Asthma medications such as theophylline and albuterol
• Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclics
• Antivirals such as acyclovir and vidarabine
• Immune-suppressing medications such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus
• Cancer medicines such as thalidomide and cytarabine
• Heart medicines such as amiodarone and procainamide
• Antihypertensives such as aliskiren and amlodipine
• Mood stabilizers such as lithium carbonate
• Stimulants such as caffeine and amphetamines
• Antibiotics such as gentamicin and vancomycin

If you are experiencing shakiness, it is important to consult a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Do not stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions