Final answer:
Chronic sleep deprivation can have severe effects on both physical and psychological health. It can lead to the suppression of the immune system, decreased productivity due to reduced cognitive function and alertness, and may trigger or exacerbate depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effects of chronic sleep deprivation are quite extensive and include a variety of psychological and physical outcomes. Some key impacts include suppression of the immune system, resulting in susceptibility to infections, illnesses, and diseases. This condition is known as immunosuppression and is characterized by the decreased effectiveness of the immune system.
Another quite common effect is diminished productivity. Sleep deprivation results in decreased mental alertness and cognitive function, which significantly affects the efficiency and quality of one's work or school performance. This is primarily due to fatigue and the inability to focus or concentrate for extended periods.
Chronic sleep deprivation is also strongly linked to various psychological issues such as depression. Lack of adequate sleep can trigger depression-like symptoms and exacerbate existing mental health conditions. This can be particularly detrimental to someone's overall wellbeing and quality of life.
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