Chronic sleep deprivation is expected to have which of the following effects on the body?

Chronic sleep deprivation significantly impacts the body, particularly affecting the nervous system and immune function. The correct answer illustrates that chronic lack of sleep leads to increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, which can lead to heightened alertness, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.

Moreover, chronic sleep deprivation can compromise the immune system's function. Adequate sleep is vital for the production and regulation of cytokines, proteins that help mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation. Insufficient sleep diminishes the body's ability to mount an effective immune response and can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and inflammatory diseases.

Understanding the interplay between chronic sleep deprivation, sympathetic nervous system activation, and immune function is crucial in both clinical and public health contexts, as it emphasizes the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being.