With more medical information available online, people are taking more control of their mental and physical health. If we pay attention to just a few areas, we will be able to control and influence many aspects of our health and wellness.
A lack of sleep, for example, can lead to many health issues that could be avoided. We are all chronically sleep-deprived as a nation, but we don’t realize the serious consequences of inadequate sleep.
Obesity
Numerous studies have shown that adequate sleep is important for our physical and mental health. Insufficient sleep can lead to fatigue and, over time, weight problems. According to a 2004 study, people who sleep between seven and nine hours per day are 73% more likely to become obese than those who only sleep five hours.
Diabetes
Diabetes can be caused by excess weight. In addition, getting too little sleep can also impact the body’s ability to process sugar. A study found that participants who slept for less than four hours per night were more likely to develop diabetes than those who slept for six consecutive nights.
Infection
An energized body is more effective at fighting off infection than one that is tired. People who sleep less than seven hours per night are three times as likely to get a cold virus-related respiratory infection than those who sleep eight hours or more.
Cancer
Too little sleep could be linked to an increase in the risk of colon and breast cancer. The reason is that melatonin levels decrease when the body is exposed at night to sunlight. This helps to prevent cancer.
Depression
Although depression can lead to sleeplessness, it can also cause depression. Researchers believe that too little sleep may be a contributing factor to postpartum depression.
Infection
Well-being is good for the body’s ability fight infections, both viral or bacterial. One study looked at people who had received flu vaccines. The flu-fighting antibodies in people who slept for less than eight hours per night had lower levels in those who slept for four hours every night.
Heart Disease
When the body doesn’t get enough sleep, stress hormones and proteins are released that can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A large study found that women who sleep less then five hours a night are 45 percent more likely than those who get eight hours.
Preventive screening is a great way to find out if your lack of sleep has led to cardiac problems. It is non-invasive and painless. Mobile health preventive screening services make it even more convenient. You will receive important information that you can share with your doctor after the screening to help you decide on the best course of action.
