One of the most common and damaging problems the world is battling doesn't have to be something as violent as war or d 'as radical as drug addiction is, it's actually sleep. deprivation. Sleep deprivation can cause serious damage to almost every aspect of the human body and mind, but it is often overlooked in the grand scheme of things due to its seemingly unimportant importance in modern society. Those who sleep five hours a night are praised for their hard work, while those who manage to get a full night's rest and sleep are considered lazy and irresponsible. The truth is that the world needs to be educated about the causes and, more importantly, the effects of lack of sleep, so that they are aware of the negative consequences of lack of sleep. Lack of sleep occurs when the body does not receive the necessary amount of sleep. sleep necessary for it to function at peak performance. Although it is a seemingly harmless disease, it generates many negative effects on the body and mind. Most cases of sleep deprivation are not very harmful, but if left unaddressed, they could lead to health problems and decreased mental efficiency. Those who are sleep deprived tend to become numb to the severity of their condition, get used to the constant lack of energy, and forget what it means to feel ready for the day ahead. One of the most important causes of sleep deprivation is lack of sleep. the value of sleep in today's societal norms. People don't realize how bad it is to be constantly deprived of sleep. It can affect anything from the heart and other organs to triggering epilepsy and other illnesses. According to Dr. James Maas, “High school and college students are...... middle of article...... Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, December 5, 2013. Web. April 16, 2014. Brody, Jane E. “At Every Age, Feeling the Effects of Lack of Sleep.” The New York Times, October 22, 2007. Web, April 17, 2014.---. Well, we're fooling ourselves when it comes to sleep reviews. New York Times, June 17, 2013. Web, April 17, 2014. Esherick, Joan Dead Standing: Adolescent Sleep Deprivation and Its Consequences, Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2004. Print.Maas, James. B. and Megan L. Wherry. Power Sleep: The Revolutionary Program That Prepares Your Mind for Peak Performance New York: Quill/HarperCollins, 2001. Print. Mara, Joy “Drowsy Driving.” Administration, nd Web. April 16, 2014. “Sleep Habits and Susceptibility to Colds.” JAMA Network, January 12, 2009. Web.. 2014.