Sleep debt is best described as which of the following?

Sleep debt is best described as which of the following?

• A. Amount of sleep an individual needs
• B. Cumulative effect of insufficient sleep
• C. Consequence of fragmented sleep
• D. Result of excessive REM sleep

Answer: (B)

Sleep debt is the cumulative deficit between how much sleep you need and how much you actually get over time. When you consistently miss sleep, the shortfall adds up, increasing daytime sleepiness and impairing attention, mood, and performance. Repaying the debt means returning to regular, sufficient sleep for several nights to eliminate that accumulated gap. It isn’t simply the amount you need, nor a consequence of fragmented sleep, nor a result of excessive REM sleep—the debt specifically reflects the ongoing shortfall across days.

Sleep debt is the cumulative deficit between how much sleep you need and how much you actually get over time. When you consistently miss sleep, the shortfall adds up, increasing daytime sleepiness and impairing attention, mood, and performance. Repaying the debt means returning to regular, sufficient sleep for several nights to eliminate that accumulated gap. It isn’t simply the amount you need, nor a consequence of fragmented sleep, nor a result of excessive REM sleep—the debt specifically reflects the ongoing shortfall across days.