What Happens If You Don’t Sleep For 3 Days?
If you’ve ever experienced an unsatisfactory night and didn’t get enough rest, you know how it can take serious effects. From being angry or making poor choices to being too tired to sleep can significantly affect your performance and health.
You may even believe you hear or see things that aren’t there. These kinds of experiences are known as hallucinations.
1. You’ll Feel Fatigued
Fatigue is a very common issue and is caused by a myriad of factors. It may indicate a more serious health issue or be caused by emotional or mental issues.
If you believe your fatigue could be due to an issue with your health, consult your physician. They may conduct physical tests and a physical exam to determine what’s happening.
The doctor could also ask about your lifestyle, diet, and life activities. This will help your doctor figure out the root of your fatigue and provide suggestions for managing it.
Many factors cause fatigue, including sleep disorders, poor diet, stress, and medication. It is possible to treat these; however, it is important to be diagnosed so you can take appropriate steps to lessen the symptoms.
If you’re tired, It can be hard to focus on anything. Making choices and keeping track of your daily routines can also be challenging.
The long-term effects could lead to a deterioration in your health and a decline in your overall quality of life. It is also extremely stressful and influences your relationships.
One of the most crucial things to do is get an adequate night’s rest. It is essential for your overall health and overall well-being.
Aiming for at least 7-8 hours of rest every evening is recommended. This is crucial for a healthy and healthy body and can make you feel more energized throughout the daytime.
If you are having trouble sleeping, consult your physician about treatments for insomnia. For example, they may suggest sleeping in a comfortable location or refraining from caffeine because it could cause sleep disruption.
2. You’ll Have A Hard Time Concentrating
It’s undisputed that a relaxing night’s rest benefits your mental well-being. Apart from the obvious advantages of more restful sleep, you’ll reap benefits such as improved productivity at work and better spirits at home. On the other hand, a recent study revealed that the chances of being diagnosed with a chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer, or arthritis increase when you sleep poorly. Having enough sleep could be the best solution to your busy lifestyle. The most crucial principle is to establish a bedtime and stay on time. Not getting more than 8 hours of sleep can lead to catastrophe.
3. You’ll Have A Hard Time Making Decisions
You may struggle to make choices if you’re not getting enough sleep. In addition, studies have shown that sleeping less can increase the chance of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
One of the most important reasons to get a good night’s sleep is because it’s necessary to function properly in the brain, as per the National Sleep Foundation. When you sleep, your brain processes memories and also erases irrelevant information. It also organizes nerve cells, also called neurons. Furthermore, your brain’s lymphatic (waste elimination) system assists in removing harmful byproducts from your brain during the day.
You may have a difficult decision-making process if you aren’t sleeping for three days, as your brain could be overwhelmed by emotions and must process them in a way that allows you to make decisions. This is especially true when you suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, don’t fret — there’s a way to return in line with your routine and achieve more mental wellness. You should follow this guideline for the next two days and limit your caffeine intake to a minimum, allowing you to get the required sleep.
4. You’ll Have A Hard Time Getting Along With Others
One of the things sleep does is aid the brain in processing emotions. If you don’t have enough rest, you’re likely prone to negative emotional reactions, which could cause more serious issues later on. A good night’s rest can help your blood sugar levels, and your heart and immune system work optimally. It’s also among the most effective ways to stay healthy and manage weight.
To reap the benefits of a great night’s sleep, it’s best to adjust your routine. It could be as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables, eliminating fried food, and avoiding the consumption of coffee or other beverages that are high in caffeine.
5. You’ll Have A Hard Time Getting Things Done
If you don’t get enough rest, you could be unable to accomplish things. For example, if doing work that requires lots of concentration, you’ll find it difficult to concentrate for extended periods in the event that your brain isn’t active. It’s also possible to feel demotivated and be less productive than you would normally be.
Despite all the negative impacts, There are ways to make it through the day when you’re exhausted. You can, for instance, make an effort to prioritize your to-do list. Start with the most crucial tasks and save the less challenging ones to do later in the morning. Also, you can eat well and regularly exercise to remain alert and energetic all day.
What happens If We Do Not Sleep For Three Days?
Sleep is crucial to our well-being. It provides rest and rejuvenation to the body and mind. Although occasional nights of inadequate sleep can be averted, prolonged absence from sleep can negatively affect well-being, health, and productivity. Sleeping for less than three consecutive days could significantly impact a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Physical Effects
Sleep deprivation significantly impacts one’s physical well-being, with three days of sleeping insufficiency causing several physical symptoms. They could include:
Fatigue And Weakness
Insufficient sleep can trigger feelings of fatigue, and people feel tiredness and fatigue even when completing easy tasks.
Impaired Coordination And Reflexes
Lack of sleep can affect a person’s movement coordination and reaction speed, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Immune System Suppression
Sleep is crucial to maintain a healthy immune system. Conversely, sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making people more susceptible to infection and illness.
Increased Inflammation
Insufficient sleep can create inflammation, resulting in chronic diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Mental And Emotional Effects
Sleep deprivation can also cause profound emotional and mental consequences. For example, after three consecutive days of no sleep, one could suffer from the following:
Hallucinations And Delusions
Lack of sleep can trigger hallucinations, delusions, and other sensory distortions that may create difficulty in discerning between reality and the imagination.
Mood Swings And Irritability
Sleep deprivation can affect a person’s emotional health and cause fluctuating emotions, such as irritability and anxiety.
Cognitive Impairment
The brain needs sleep to perform at its best, and the absence of sleep can result in severe cognitive impairment. For example, after three consecutive days of no sleep, a person could be unable to remember, as well as attention, and make decisions.
Managing Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation management requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. Some strategies that are effective in addressing sleep deprivation include:
Prioritizing Sleep
A consistent routine for sleep and prioritizing your sleep time can improve sleep quality and decrease the possibility of sleep deprivation.
Stress Management
Stress is one of the major contributors to sleep deprivation, and managing stress is an effective method of improving sleep quality. It can be done by engaging in relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, and seeking help from family members, friends, or health professionals.
Medical Interventions
In certain instances, medical interventions might be required to treat sleep loss. This could include the recourse to sleeping aids or other drugs and the treatment of health conditions that could contribute to the problem.
How long Does It Take To Recover?
It’s possible to heal from sleep loss by getting more sleep.
It is possible to start by getting up early instead of staying late. However, it’s also beneficial to ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This will allow your body to return to its normal routine.
It could take weeks or even days to recover from a period of sleep lack. For example, a single hour of lost sleep takes four days of recovery.
As long as you’ve been up, the longer it will take to return to normal.
Treatments
The best approach depends on the amount of sleep you’ve lost. There are a variety of options to consider:
- Napping. Napping could lessen the symptoms if you’ve lost only a few days of sleep. Don’t nap longer than 30 minutes, as it can disrupt your ability to fall asleep at night.
- Sleep hygiene is essential to a healthy. Adopting healthy sleeping habits is crucial to preventing and managing sleep deprivation.
- Sleep aids over-the-counter. The over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids are perfect for nights that aren’t sleepy. It is possible to develop an addiction to these products, so taking them only sparingly is recommended.
- Sleeping pills prescribed by a doctor. Your physician may suggest sleeping medications. However, like OTC supplements for sleep, these may lose effectiveness over time.
- Light therapy. If you suffer from extreme insomnia, The doctor could recommend light therapy. The treatment is intended to help your body reset its internal clock.
- Breathing device. If you suffer from sleeplessness caused by sleeping apnea, you may receive a device to aid you in breathing during the night. Continuous positive pressure (CPAP) device is the most popular choice.
Tips For Living A Healthy Lifestyle
Healthful sleeping habits are among the most effective methods to avoid sleep lack. This is a good example of positive lifestyle choices that can help you sleep better. High-quality sleep.
Expose Yourself To Natural Light.
Natural light exposure aids in normalizing the body’s production of the hormone melatonin, known as the sleeping hormone. It regulates the internal clock of your body.
Get Regular Physical Activity.
A regular workout can help you feel less exhausted in the evening. Try to do at least 20-30 minutes every day.
Make sure you exercise at least 5-6 hours before bedtime. Exercise late in the morning could interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.
Avoid Caffeine Later In The Day.
If you drink drinks with caffeine, take your last drink before noon. It could take up to 6 hours to allow the caffeine to fade away.
Avoid Alcohol Before Bed.
While alcohol is well-known to induce sleepiness, it may also affect sleep quality. So beware of drinking alcohol too heavily before bedtime.
Do Not Use Electronic Screens Before Bed.
It is tempting to binge-watch a movie or go on social media before bed. But it is important to remember that the screen’s blue light may cause brain stimulation. But, unfortunately, it also decreases the production of melatonin.
To minimize these effects, Avoid using electronic devices for 30 to 1 hour before bedtime.
Create A Calming Bedtime Routine.
A relaxing routine before bed will aid your body and mind prepare for the night. It can include things such as:
- relaxing bathing in a hot bath
- stretching
- Meditating
- Reading
Have A Pleasant Sleep Environment.
You’ll sleep well if your bed is relaxing and comfortable.
To create the perfect sleeping setting:
- Shut off all electronics, including televisions and phones.
- Keep your room cool (between 60 and 67degF (roughly 16 to 19 degrees Celsius).).
- Choose a mattress that is comfortable and has pillows. Want suggestions? Explore our marketplace, which that is filled with expert-tested, editor-trusted suggestions for mattresses and pillows.
- Make noises less loud by using the help of a humidifier, fan, or a white noise machine.
Follow A Consistent Sleep Schedule.
You should wake up and sleep each night simultaneously, even if you’re not working. This helps your body keep a consistent schedule.
Avoid Foods That Can Disrupt Sleep.
Certain food items take time to take in. In addition, digestion can cause you to be awake, so it is best to stay clear of these food items before bed.
This includes:
- heavy meals
- Foods that are fatty or fried
- spicy dishes
- acidic food items
- Carbonated beverages
If you’re hungry and unable to go to bed, try an easy snack such as cereal or crackers.
Try to consume your last meal a few hours before going to bed.
When Should You See A Doctor?
It’s normal to experience an occasional night of sleeplessness. However, you should consult your doctor if you still struggle sleeping after implementing an excellent sleep hygiene routine.
Seek medical help if you:
- They have difficulties getting to sleep
- You will feel tired after not getting enough sleep
- You will wake up many times throughout the night
- Experience microsleeps
- suffer from frequent fatigue
- must take naps every day
The Bottom Line
The first phase of sleep deprivation is within 24 hours of missing sleep. A majority of people can handle this level of loss of sleep.
As sleep deprivation increases, it becomes more difficult to remain awake. Also, it affects your ability to think and perceive reality.
If you have good routines for sleeping, it’s possible to get back or avoid sleep loss. Check with your physician if you’re having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep.
FAQ’s
What happens to your body after three days without sleep?
If you don’t get enough sleep for three days, your body may start to show signs like extreme fatigue, hallucinations, poor judgment and coordination, and an increased risk of getting into an accident or being hurt. Additionally, your body may experience an increase in stress hormones and decreased immune system function.
Is it safe to remain awake for three consecutive days?
It is generally not recommended to stay awake for three days straight because it can have serious negative effects on your mental and physical health. It can also make you and other people unsafe because it can make it hard for you to function normally.
How long does it take to get back to normal after being without sleep for three days?
The length of time it takes to recover from three days without sleep can vary from person to person and from situation to situation. Getting a full night’s sleep after a period of sleep deprivation can help the body recover, as it is generally recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to maintain good health.
What are the long-term effects of not getting enough sleep?
Sleep deprivation can have long-term consequences, including an increased risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, it may result in negative mental health effects like anxiety and depression.
How can you avoid falling asleep at night?
Establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bedtime, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, and creating a relaxing sleep environment are all ways to prevent sleep deprivation. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping for personalized advice and treatment options.
What Happens If You Don’t Sleep For 3 Days?
If you’ve ever experienced an unsatisfactory night and didn’t get enough rest, you know how it can take serious effects. From being angry or making poor choices to being too tired to sleep can significantly affect your performance and health.
You may even believe you hear or see things that aren’t there. These kinds of experiences are known as hallucinations.
1. You’ll Feel Fatigued
Fatigue is a very common issue and is caused by a myriad of factors. It may indicate a more serious health issue or be caused by emotional or mental issues.
If you believe your fatigue could be due to an issue with your health, consult your physician. They may conduct physical tests and a physical exam to determine what’s happening.
The doctor could also ask about your lifestyle, diet, and life activities. This will help your doctor figure out the root of your fatigue and provide suggestions for managing it.
Many factors cause fatigue, including sleep disorders, poor diet, stress, and medication. It is possible to treat these; however, it is important to be diagnosed so you can take appropriate steps to lessen the symptoms.
If you’re tired, It can be hard to focus on anything. Making choices and keeping track of your daily routines can also be challenging.
The long-term effects could lead to a deterioration in your health and a decline in your overall quality of life. It is also extremely stressful and influences your relationships.
One of the most crucial things to do is get an adequate night’s rest. It is essential for your overall health and overall well-being.
Aiming for at least 7-8 hours of rest every evening is recommended. This is crucial for a healthy and healthy body and can make you feel more energized throughout the daytime.
If you are having trouble sleeping, consult your physician about treatments for insomnia. For example, they may suggest sleeping in a comfortable location or refraining from caffeine because it could cause sleep disruption.
2. You’ll Have A Hard Time Concentrating
It’s undisputed that a relaxing night’s rest benefits your mental well-being. Apart from the obvious advantages of more restful sleep, you’ll reap benefits such as improved productivity at work and better spirits at home. On the other hand, a recent study revealed that the chances of being diagnosed with a chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer, or arthritis increase when you sleep poorly. Having enough sleep could be the best solution to your busy lifestyle. The most crucial principle is to establish a bedtime and stay on time. Not getting more than 8 hours of sleep can lead to catastrophe.
3. You’ll Have A Hard Time Making Decisions
You may struggle to make choices if you’re not getting enough sleep. In addition, studies have shown that sleeping less can increase the chance of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
One of the most important reasons to get a good night’s sleep is because it’s necessary to function properly in the brain, as per the National Sleep Foundation. When you sleep, your brain processes memories and also erases irrelevant information. It also organizes nerve cells, also called neurons. Furthermore, your brain’s lymphatic (waste elimination) system assists in removing harmful byproducts from your brain during the day.
You may have a difficult decision-making process if you aren’t sleeping for three days, as your brain could be overwhelmed by emotions and must process them in a way that allows you to make decisions. This is especially true when you suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, don’t fret — there’s a way to return in line with your routine and achieve more mental wellness. You should follow this guideline for the next two days and limit your caffeine intake to a minimum, allowing you to get the required sleep.
4. You’ll Have A Hard Time Getting Along With Others
One of the things sleep does is aid the brain in processing emotions. If you don’t have enough rest, you’re likely prone to negative emotional reactions, which could cause more serious issues later on. A good night’s rest can help your blood sugar levels, and your heart and immune system work optimally. It’s also among the most effective ways to stay healthy and manage weight.
To reap the benefits of a great night’s sleep, it’s best to adjust your routine. It could be as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables, eliminating fried food, and avoiding the consumption of coffee or other beverages that are high in caffeine.
5. You’ll Have A Hard Time Getting Things Done
If you don’t get enough rest, you could be unable to accomplish things. For example, if doing work that requires lots of concentration, you’ll find it difficult to concentrate for extended periods in the event that your brain isn’t active. It’s also possible to feel demotivated and be less productive than you would normally be.
Despite all the negative impacts, There are ways to make it through the day when you’re exhausted. You can, for instance, make an effort to prioritize your to-do list. Start with the most crucial tasks and save the less challenging ones to do later in the morning. Also, you can eat well and regularly exercise to remain alert and energetic all day.
What happens If We Do Not Sleep For Three Days?
Sleep is crucial to our well-being. It provides rest and rejuvenation to the body and mind. Although occasional nights of inadequate sleep can be averted, prolonged absence from sleep can negatively affect well-being, health, and productivity. Sleeping for less than three consecutive days could significantly impact a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Physical Effects
Sleep deprivation significantly impacts one’s physical well-being, with three days of sleeping insufficiency causing several physical symptoms. They could include:
Fatigue And Weakness
Insufficient sleep can trigger feelings of fatigue, and people feel tiredness and fatigue even when completing easy tasks.
Impaired Coordination And Reflexes
Lack of sleep can affect a person’s movement coordination and reaction speed, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Immune System Suppression
Sleep is crucial to maintain a healthy immune system. Conversely, sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making people more susceptible to infection and illness.
Increased Inflammation
Insufficient sleep can create inflammation, resulting in chronic diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Mental And Emotional Effects
Sleep deprivation can also cause profound emotional and mental consequences. For example, after three consecutive days of no sleep, one could suffer from the following:
Hallucinations And Delusions
Lack of sleep can trigger hallucinations, delusions, and other sensory distortions that may create difficulty in discerning between reality and the imagination.
Mood Swings And Irritability
Sleep deprivation can affect a person’s emotional health and cause fluctuating emotions, such as irritability and anxiety.
Cognitive Impairment
The brain needs sleep to perform at its best, and the absence of sleep can result in severe cognitive impairment. For example, after three consecutive days of no sleep, a person could be unable to remember, as well as attention, and make decisions.
Managing Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation management requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. Some strategies that are effective in addressing sleep deprivation include:
Prioritizing Sleep
A consistent routine for sleep and prioritizing your sleep time can improve sleep quality and decrease the possibility of sleep deprivation.
Stress Management
Stress is one of the major contributors to sleep deprivation, and managing stress is an effective method of improving sleep quality. It can be done by engaging in relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, and seeking help from family members, friends, or health professionals.
Medical Interventions
In certain instances, medical interventions might be required to treat sleep loss. This could include the recourse to sleeping aids or other drugs and the treatment of health conditions that could contribute to the problem.
How long Does It Take To Recover?
It’s possible to heal from sleep loss by getting more sleep.
It is possible to start by getting up early instead of staying late. However, it’s also beneficial to ensure you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This will allow your body to return to its normal routine.
It could take weeks or even days to recover from a period of sleep lack. For example, a single hour of lost sleep takes four days of recovery.
As long as you’ve been up, the longer it will take to return to normal.
Treatments
The best approach depends on the amount of sleep you’ve lost. There are a variety of options to consider:
- Napping. Napping could lessen the symptoms if you’ve lost only a few days of sleep. Don’t nap longer than 30 minutes, as it can disrupt your ability to fall asleep at night.
- Sleep hygiene is essential to a healthy. Adopting healthy sleeping habits is crucial to preventing and managing sleep deprivation.
- Sleep aids over-the-counter. The over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids are perfect for nights that aren’t sleepy. It is possible to develop an addiction to these products, so taking them only sparingly is recommended.
- Sleeping pills prescribed by a doctor. Your physician may suggest sleeping medications. However, like OTC supplements for sleep, these may lose effectiveness over time.
- Light therapy. If you suffer from extreme insomnia, The doctor could recommend light therapy. The treatment is intended to help your body reset its internal clock.
- Breathing device. If you suffer from sleeplessness caused by sleeping apnea, you may receive a device to aid you in breathing during the night. Continuous positive pressure (CPAP) device is the most popular choice.
Tips For Living A Healthy Lifestyle
Healthful sleeping habits are among the most effective methods to avoid sleep lack. This is a good example of positive lifestyle choices that can help you sleep better. High-quality sleep.
Expose Yourself To Natural Light.
Natural light exposure aids in normalizing the body’s production of the hormone melatonin, known as the sleeping hormone. It regulates the internal clock of your body.
Get Regular Physical Activity.
A regular workout can help you feel less exhausted in the evening. Try to do at least 20-30 minutes every day.
Make sure you exercise at least 5-6 hours before bedtime. Exercise late in the morning could interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.
Avoid Caffeine Later In The Day.
If you drink drinks with caffeine, take your last drink before noon. It could take up to 6 hours to allow the caffeine to fade away.
Avoid Alcohol Before Bed.
While alcohol is well-known to induce sleepiness, it may also affect sleep quality. So beware of drinking alcohol too heavily before bedtime.
Do Not Use Electronic Screens Before Bed.
It is tempting to binge-watch a movie or go on social media before bed. But it is important to remember that the screen’s blue light may cause brain stimulation. But, unfortunately, it also decreases the production of melatonin.
To minimize these effects, Avoid using electronic devices for 30 to 1 hour before bedtime.
Create A Calming Bedtime Routine.
A relaxing routine before bed will aid your body and mind prepare for the night. It can include things such as:
- relaxing bathing in a hot bath
- stretching
- Meditating
- Reading
Have A Pleasant Sleep Environment.
You’ll sleep well if your bed is relaxing and comfortable.
To create the perfect sleeping setting:
- Shut off all electronics, including televisions and phones.
- Keep your room cool (between 60 and 67degF (roughly 16 to 19 degrees Celsius).).
- Choose a mattress that is comfortable and has pillows. Want suggestions? Explore our marketplace, which that is filled with expert-tested, editor-trusted suggestions for mattresses and pillows.
- Make noises less loud by using the help of a humidifier, fan, or a white noise machine.
Follow A Consistent Sleep Schedule.
You should wake up and sleep each night simultaneously, even if you’re not working. This helps your body keep a consistent schedule.
Avoid Foods That Can Disrupt Sleep.
Certain food items take time to take in. In addition, digestion can cause you to be awake, so it is best to stay clear of these food items before bed.
This includes:
- heavy meals
- Foods that are fatty or fried
- spicy dishes
- acidic food items
- Carbonated beverages
If you’re hungry and unable to go to bed, try an easy snack such as cereal or crackers.
Try to consume your last meal a few hours before going to bed.
When Should You See A Doctor?
It’s normal to experience an occasional night of sleeplessness. However, you should consult your doctor if you still struggle sleeping after implementing an excellent sleep hygiene routine.
Seek medical help if you:
- They have difficulties getting to sleep
- You will feel tired after not getting enough sleep
- You will wake up many times throughout the night
- Experience microsleeps
- suffer from frequent fatigue
- must take naps every day
The Bottom Line
The first phase of sleep deprivation is within 24 hours of missing sleep. A majority of people can handle this level of loss of sleep.
As sleep deprivation increases, it becomes more difficult to remain awake. Also, it affects your ability to think and perceive reality.
If you have good routines for sleeping, it’s possible to get back or avoid sleep loss. Check with your physician if you’re having difficulty getting a good night’s sleep.
FAQ’s
What happens to your body after three days without sleep?
If you don’t get enough sleep for three days, your body may start to show signs like extreme fatigue, hallucinations, poor judgment and coordination, and an increased risk of getting into an accident or being hurt. Additionally, your body may experience an increase in stress hormones and decreased immune system function.
Is it safe to remain awake for three consecutive days?
It is generally not recommended to stay awake for three days straight because it can have serious negative effects on your mental and physical health. It can also make you and other people unsafe because it can make it hard for you to function normally.
How long does it take to get back to normal after being without sleep for three days?
The length of time it takes to recover from three days without sleep can vary from person to person and from situation to situation. Getting a full night’s sleep after a period of sleep deprivation can help the body recover, as it is generally recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to maintain good health.
What are the long-term effects of not getting enough sleep?
Sleep deprivation can have long-term consequences, including an increased risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, it may result in negative mental health effects like anxiety and depression.
How can you avoid falling asleep at night?
Establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bedtime, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, and creating a relaxing sleep environment are all ways to prevent sleep deprivation. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping for personalized advice and treatment options.