Final answer:
Depression is a mental illness associated with sleep deprivation, often arising from persistent conditions like insomnia which can lead to a cyclical pattern of anxiety and lack of sleep.
Step-by-step explanation:
One mental illness associated with sleep deprivation is depression. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression-like symptoms as a result of accumulated sleep debt or acute periods without sufficient rest. Chronic lack of sleep has been connected to various health issues, such as obesity, increased blood pressure, heightened stress hormones, and weakened immune function. Additionally, it can significantly impair cognitive and motor functions, sometimes to the same extent as alcohol intoxication, and cause irritability, distractibility, and poor judgment. Extended periods of wakefulness over 24 to 48 hours can even result in hallucinations. Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, often leads to increased anxiety and a vicious cycle of sleeplessness and distress.
Insomnia is particularly noteworthy as it represents a persistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep and can be exacerbated by stress or medication side effects. Insomnia is recognized when an individual experiences symptoms for at least three nights per week for a month or more. These disruptions in sleep can precipitate or exacerbate depression, showcasing the complex interaction between sleep and mental health.