Sleep debt is the total hours of sleep you're missing compared to what your body needs. One hour less per night over a week adds up to seven hours of deficit, the equivalent of a full night's sleep.
Why it matters so much
A growing sleep debt degrades concentration, mood, appetite and recovery. The worst part is that you get used to it: you think you're fine while your performance drops. Your body, however, keeps track.
Pay it back without disrupting everything
Sleeping in all Sunday morning isn't enough and it throws off your internal clock. It's better to add 30 to 60 minutes of sleep per night over several days, plus a short nap if needed. Paying back sleep debt is gradual, not explosive.
Better to avoid it
Consistency is still the best prevention. For more effective nights, see how to improve your deep sleep and how many hours you actually need. The KEORA Ring measures your real deficit and helps you address it before it builds up.
You can't cheat sleep. But you can learn to pay back the debt.