Sleep deprivation is a well-known phenomenon today. Unfortunately there are still several unanswered questions about this idea. Luckily, with a lot of research we have learned some effects that lack of sleep has on the human body and brain. In some experimental research studies, researchers have examined the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain itself. The results of these experiments show that sleep deprivation affects brain chemistry. It also affects various areas of the brain such as connectivity and signaling, especially in the hippocampus and frontal brain regions. Altering all of these areas impacts our long-term memory function and decision making. Sleep deprivation also affects how we handle stress, our cognitive system. One way that sleep deprivation affects the brain is by inhibiting brain connectivity (Verweij et. al. 2014)). It also affects signaling in the brain (Vecsey, 2009). Other areas of the brain affected are the hippocampus and frontal regions (Vecsey, 2009; Thomas et. al. 2000). Altering all of these areas impacts our long-term memory function and decision making. (Vecsey, 2009; Thomas et al. 2000). Lack of sleep also affects our level of cognitive performance and how we manage stress in our lives (Minkel et. Al, 2014). Sleep deprivation not only affects our brains, but can also affect our mood (Bernier, 2009). With all these effects we can become moody, stressed, have difficulty remembering and even make poorer choices than we would if we had adequate sleep. We have various research on what happens to our brain when we don't sleep adequately. With all the data we know how important sleep is. There are many unanswered questions, but one that comes to mind is: what causes people to not get enough sleep? As areas of the brain are affected by sleep deprivation, does the way our brain is affected lead to a cycle of sleep deprivation? What I mean is that if we are so sleep deprived we simply continue in a cycle of lack of sleep.