IntroductionSleep is a universal behavior for all people, yet it remains largely a mystery. Chronic sleep deprivation has become rampant throughout Western society, for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this research is to study the effects of sleep deprivation, with the main goal of identifying what sleep is and the reasons for sleep. Emphasis is also placed on the effects, symptoms, causes and ways to combat sleep deprivation. These areas are of particular interest to those seeking to investigate sleep deprivation or individuals who suffer from sleep deprivation by investigating the symptoms, causes, and strategies to combat sleep deprivation. The information compiled in this report has been compiled from a variety of secondary sources, including websites. , books, documentaries, statistics and academic journals. A reporting format was selected to ensure that information related to the guiding questions was answered positively. As investigations were conducted, the information gathered was discredited due to the reliability of the information gathered. Definition of sleep Sleep is a state in which the body's senses and motor activity are interrupted resulting in total or partial unconsciousness (Nordqvist, 2010). As a result, all voluntary muscles are rendered inactive (Nordqvist, 2010). It is a period in which the body produces new bones and tissues, resulting in growth and repair of the body (Nordqvist, 2010). Sleep is typically 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 phases (Smith et al, 2013). These stages can be divided 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 exhibit greater difficulty in carrying out daily activities than well-rested individuals. The study also reveals that sleep deprivation is linked to obesity, depression, anxiety and immune system suppression. Research conducted suggests that sleep deprivation can be recognized in adults by mood swings and difficulty concentrating, while children will tend to become emotionally explosive. The findings also detail simple lifestyle alterations available to combat sleep deprivation. It should be noted that the findings of this report are limited by current available knowledge. Therefore it is necessary to raise public awareness about sleep deprivation and sleep science, so that sleep disorders such as sleep deprivation can be fully understood and treated.