Last week, a Chinese man was found dead in front of his TV after staying up for several nights in a row to watch the World Cup.

The cause? Sleep deprivation.

In Shanghai, near where the man was located, the time difference of 11 hours means that soccer fans have to stay up literally all night to catch every match.  The man died following Spain’s defeat of Holland, which would have concluded at 5:00 a.m. in China.

This incident is not unprecedented. A few years ago, another Chinese fan died after staying up for eleven nights straight to watch the Euro 2012. During the past two World Cups in 2006 and 2010, Chinese hospitals saw a surge in the number of patients with exhaustion-related symptoms.

So what exactly is the medical definition of exhaustion, and why can it have such catastrophic effects?

The Medical Term: Fatigue

Fatigue is different from mere drowsiness. It encompasses muscle weakness, lack of energy, and general inability to function. It has a wide variety of causes, including mental disorders like depression, illness like cancer and diabetes, and lifestyle choices, such as, of course, lack of sleep.

So Can Fatigue Really Lead to Death?

It has been repeatedly proven that drastic lack of sleep, such as that caused by a severe sleep disorder or a lab study, can lead to grave health issues and death. However, these are extreme cases.

Moderate fatigue and lack of sleep can still have severe health effects. People experiencing poor sleep are more likely to be involved in car crashes and industrial accidents, which can be fatal. They are also prone to health problems like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. And we are all familiar with the negative effects on our concentration, mental function, and energy caused by temporary fatigue.

If you are experiencing poor sleep quality, there is good reason to talk to your doctor. If you think you might have a sleep disorder that is preventing you from sleeping well, take this questionaire or check out the information below on one of the most common sleep disorders.

Resources: Inquisitr, International Business Times, Washington Times

Photo Credit: Doha Stadium Plus Qatar