IntroductionSleep is a universal behavior for all, but it remains largely a mystery. Chronic sleep deprivation has become commonplace in Western society, for several reasons. The aim of this research is to study the effects of sleep deprivation, with the main objectives being to identify what sleep is and the reasons for it. Emphasis is also placed on the effects, symptoms, causes and ways to combat lack of sleep. These areas are of particular interest to those seeking to investigate sleep deprivation or people who experience sleep deprivation by studying the symptoms, causes, and strategies to combat sleep deprivation. The information gathered in this report has been collected from various secondary sources including websites. , books, documentaries, statistics and academic journals. A reporting format has been chosen to ensure that information regarding the guiding questions is answered satisfactorily. While investigations were conducted, the information collected was discredited due to the reliability of the information collected. Definition of Sleep Sleep is a state in which the senses and motor activity of the body are disturbed, resulting in complete or partial loss of consciousness (Nordqvist, 2010). As a result, all voluntary muscles are rendered inactive (Nordqvist, 2010). It is a period when the body produces new bone and tissue, leading to growth and repair of the body (Nordqvist, 2010). Generally, sleep is defined in humans based on patterns of brain wave activity and other physiological changes (Harvard Medical Institute, 2007). Sleep occurs in a series of recurring stages (Smith et al, 2013). These stages can be separated into NREM sleep and REM sleep (Smith et al, 2013). NREM (non-rapid eye movement)...... middle of paper ......ns behind the process. Reliable sources indicate that sleep-deprived individuals have more difficulty completing daily tasks than well-rested individuals. The study also finds that lack of sleep is linked to obesity, depression, anxiety and suppressed immune system. Research suggests that lack of sleep can be recognized in adults by mood fluctuations and difficulty concentrating, while children will tend to become emotionally explosive. The findings also detail simple lifestyle changes available to combat sleep deprivation. It should be noted that the results of this report are limited by the current knowledge available. As such, public awareness of sleep deprivation and the science of sleep needs to be increased so that sleep disorders such as sleep deprivation can be fully understood and treated...