Sleep deprivation can cause sleep problems, but it is not necessarily fatal. People who are sleep-deprived have a lower chance of living a long life (via Sleep). One reason is that people who aren’t getting enough sleep can be more susceptible to developing health conditions like heart disease. This is the number one cause of death in the United States. The person is also more likely to contract diseases like the flu, as their immune system is weaker. Moreover, WebMDnotes that sleep deprivation is a factor in about 100,000 car accidents per year, which altogether cause about 1,500 deaths.
The NIHIt is noted that sleep deprivation can result in not only personal tragedies but also large-scale disasters like plane crashes, nuclear reactor meltdowns and grounding large ships. This is why it is important to get enough sleep.