Which of the following can be a side effect of sleep deprivation?

• A. Depression
• B. Forgetfulness
• C. Only A and B
• D. Cynicism

Answer: (C)

Sleep deprivation hits both mood and cognitive function: it can derail emotional regulation, leading to depressive-like symptoms, and it also impairs memory and attention, causing forgetfulness. Because both effects commonly occur when sleep is lacking, the choice that lists both depression and forgetfulness best reflects what usually happens. Cynicism isn’t a standard, direct side effect of sleep deprivation in most educational contexts, so it doesn’t fit as well as the combination of mood and memory changes. In practice, someone who hasn’t slept well may feel down or irritable and also struggle to remember information or stay focused.