As medical information becomes available, based in part on the accessibility of the Internet, more and more people become proactive when dealing with their problems of mental and physical health. We now know the skills for health and well-being that we can control or influence many areas of our body and health of mind, if we pay attention to some areas.
For example, something as simple as lack of sleep can cause many preventable health problems. As a nation we are chronically sleep deprived, but few of us are aware of the serious problems associated with insufficient sleep.
Obesity
Multiple studies show that getting adequate sleep is not only important to how we feel the next day, but also to our overall physical health. A lack of sleep can cause not only fatigue, but over time, can affect our weight. In fact, one 2004 study shows that people who sleep five hours per night are 73 percent more likely to be obese than those who sleep seven to nine hours per night.
Diabetes
Not only can the added weight lead to diabetes, but getting too little sleep also affects how the body processes sugar. One study has shown that after sleeping for only four hours per night for six nights, participants’ insulin levels were similar to those of people developing diabetes.
Infection
A well-rested body fights off infection better than one that is sleep-deprived. In fact, people who get less than seven hours of sleep per night are three times more likely to develop a respiratory illness after exposure to the cold virus than those who slept eight or more hours per night.
Cancer
Believe it or not, too little sleep may be linked to an increased risk of breast and colon cancer. This is because when the body is exposed to light at night, the levels of the hormone melatonin decrease, and melatonin is believed to protect against cancer.
Depression
While depression can cause sleeplessness, a lack of sleep can also lead to depression, thereby creating a spiraling effect. Some researchers believe that postpartum depression may in part be linked to too little sleep.
Infection
Being well-rested improves the body’s ability to fight off infections, both viral and bacterial. One study shows examined people who had been vaccinated against the flu. Those who slept four hours per night for six nights had fewer than half the flu-fighting antibodies of those who slept a full eight hours.
Heart Disease
Stress hormones and proteins that increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks are released when the body does not get enough sleep. One large study has shown that women who sleep less than five hours per night are 45 percent more likely to have heart problems than those who slept eight hours.
Luckily, preventive screening can inform you as to whether your chronic lack of sleep has caused cardiac problems. The screening is painless, non-invasive, and these days, with mobile health preventive screening companies readily available, it is also very convenient. After the screening, you will be given important information to share with your doctor so that you can decide on a course of treatment.