Which of the following is a characteristic of sleep deprivation?

Memory lapses are a well-documented consequence of sleep deprivation. When individuals do not get enough sleep, their cognitive functions are significantly impaired. This includes difficulties with attention, problem-solving, and memory consolidation. The lack of adequate rest hampers the brain's ability to encode and retrieve information, leading to lapses in memory. Individuals may find it challenging to recall information or may exhibit slower processing speeds when trying to function without the necessary restorative sleep.

The other choices do not align with the typical effects of sleep deprivation. For instance, improved mood and enhanced alertness are generally not observed in sleep-deprived individuals; rather, they often experience irritability and decreased focus. Similarly, cognitive performance tends to decline, not increase, in those who are sleep-deprived, resulting in reduced effectiveness in tasks requiring concentration and mental acuity.