Every night, you lie down in bed to sleep after a long day. You will sleep for around seven hours, which is the recommended minimum for an adult and the national average. However, has anyone ever told you the health benefits sleep provides? Unknown to most, sleep provides many health benefits, and sleep is especially important for preventing chronic illnesses.
Chronic Illnesses Caused by Sleep Deprivation
The average American adult sleeps seven hours. However, many adults, teenagers, and children are still sleep deprived. 35% of U.S. adults are sleep deprived. Over 70% of U.S. high schoolers do not get enough sleep, and inadequate sleep among teenagers is correlated with suicidal thoughts and depression. Additionally, when children do not get enough sleep, they have worse academic performance.
- Obesity: Studies show that sleep deprivation results in an increased risk of obesity in children, adolescents, and adults.
- Anxiety: A lack of sleep puts adults at a higher risk of anxiety.
- Heart Disease: Sleep deprivation in adults puts them at a higher risk of heart disease.
- Depression: Inadequate sleep puts individuals at higher risk of developing poor mental health and an increased risk of depression.
- Diabetes: Sleep deprivation results in increased risk of diabetes in children, teenagers, and adults.
- Stroke: Adults that are not getting adequate sleep are at higher risk of stroke.
- Hypertension: Inadequate sleep causes high blood pressure, which can result in hypertension.
Studies on Sleep Deprivation
The academic article “Sleep Deprivation, Sleep Disorders, and Chronic Disease” states that sleep is a natural process of healthy restoration for the brain and body. Studies show that sleep deprivation does not just cause chronic diseases, but it worsens them too. Sleep is connected to physical health and mental health. To truly be healthy, you need adequate amounts of sleep to sustain and regulate your body.
How Sleeping Prevents Chronic Illness
The scientific article, “Sleep Problems in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Prevalence, Treatment, and New Perspectives: A Narrative Review,” discusses how a lack of sleep leads to inflammation, which in turn leads to chronic inflammatory diseases and immune diseases. The immune system and sleep are bidirectionally connected. Sleep allows your body to strengthen its immune system. Studies imply that sleep allows the body to develop resistance from inflammation and create stronger immunity.
Changing How You Sleep
How to Improve Your Sleep
Sleep can be improved by simple habits like daily exercise, sleep schedules, and avoiding late meals. It also helps to sleep in a cool and dark environment. Experts advise avoiding late-night screen time before sleeping. Factors like stress can also make sleeping harder.
Sleep Health Benefits
Sleep does not just prevent chronic illnesses. Sleep has other positive health benefits and getting quality sleep on a regular basis can result in many health improvements.
- Increased Energy
- Faster Metabolism
- Improved Memory
- Emotional Regulation
- Improved Immune System
Sleep provides benefits, protection, and support for your body. By ensuring that you are getting consistent sleep, you are taking charge of your mental and physical health. As an adult, make sure that you are getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and if you are dealing with any sleeping issues, do not hesitate to consult your primary physician. Contact Versal Medical Group today, we are always here to help!
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cdi/indicator-definitions/sleep.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10487788
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/1/67
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/8-secrets-to-a-good-nights-sleep