Sleep is often the first thing sacrificed in the face of busy schedules and daily demands, yet the repercussions of lost sleep can accumulate quickly. This phenomenon, known as sleep debt, refers to the shortfall between the hours of rest your body needs and what it actually receives. While missing a few hours of sleep here and there may seem harmless, the cumulative effects can lead to serious consequences for your health, productivity, and overall quality of life. Studies show that sleep debt can impair cognitive function, slow reaction times, and weaken the immune system, making it harder to stay…