Why should I avoid making important decisions while sleep-deprived?

Trying to make important decisions without a good night’s sleep could lead to many problems:

• Bad mood, which can lead to poorer decisions and even worse mood
• An inability to think clearly and rationally
• Abuse of caffeine
• Preference for a decision that looks like it will lead to financial gains, no matter how risky it may be

This optimism in judgment is not limited to money. The researchers in the study write that doctors and medical residents who work long hours are more likely to make mistakes, and it’s easy to see how making decisions that look positive despite the risks could be problematic for lawyers, bankers, and those in the military. The truth is that no good decision can be made by anyone with that much sleep deprivation.