Final answer:
Sleep deprivation significantly diminishes immunity to disease, impairs cognition and memory, and may lead to other health issues such as increased blood pressure and obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sleep deprivation has been shown to have several negative effects on both psychological and physiological well-being. It can result in decreased mental alertness and cognitive function, with symptoms that may resemble depression. Additionally, sleep deprivation can lead to physical health issues, such as obesity, increased blood pressure, increased levels of stress hormones, and a reduced immune system. Consequently, individuals who are sleep-deprived may fall asleep more quickly due to their sleep debt but can also have difficulty staying awake during periods of inactivity, which can be dangerous especially when driving or operating machinery. Another significant impact of sleep deprivation is its effect on cognition and memory; even memory formation is impaired, making activities like studying less effective and potentially counterproductive. Therefore, to answer the question, sleep deprivation has been shown to diminish immunity to disease, among other adverse effects.