Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Lack of sleep can cause

1. Increased mental function.

2. Increased reaction time.

3. Increased immune system function.

4. Increased irritability.

The correct answer is: Increased irritability.

Lack of sleep can significantly impact an individual's mood and emotional stability, leading to increased irritability. Sleep deprivation affects the brain's ability to regulate emotions and stress responses, which often results in heightened feelings of frustration and irritability. Additionally, insufficient sleep can impair cognitive function, making it harder for an individual to think clearly and manage stress effectively, further contributing to irritability. In contrast, adequate sleep is essential for maintaining mental and emotional balance, supporting optimal reaction times, and enhancing immune system function. Sleep plays a critical role in processing emotions, consolidating memories, and supporting overall mental health. Thus, an increase in irritability is a common consequence of not getting enough sleep, aligning with the correct answer in this question.