Sleep deprivation has been widely known to affect mood, cognitive processes, and psychomotor abilities. At chronic levels, it can lead to serious diseases. However, acute sleep deprivation may have therapeutic utility. Recent reserch suggests that sleep deprivation can have quick and effective success at reducing depression symptoms in persons with clinical depression or who have been treatment resistant. Additionally it has been found to decease negativity and mood disturbance in certain individuals. A meta-analysis will be performed to investigate the impacts associated with acute sleep deprivation used therapeutically in clinical depression. It is hypothesized that short term sleep deprivation will be effective in lowering depression symptoms and regulating sleep-wake cycles. Results will be discussed. Considering both sleep problems and deprivation are widespread, this information may be highly useful for persons affected with the conditions and for health care providers as a normal therapy or adjunct to therapeutic approaches.
