sleep debt

[ sleep det ]

noun

1. the difference between the amount of sleep a person needs and the actual amount of time spent sleeping, when the amount needed exceeds the time slept:

   The cumulative effect of sleep debt—over days, weeks, or longer—can be linked to a number of physical, emotional, and cognitive impairments.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleep debt¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

You also can build up a sleep debt, which means you may want to take a nap to help pay it off.

From The Daily Beast