It is well known that a lack of sleep can leave you feeling tired, irritable and not working at your full capacity but did you know that sleep deprivation can also have profound consequences on your physical health? 1 in 3 of us suffers from poor sleep from time to time, however, regular poor sleep puts you at risk of serious medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity and can shorten your life expectancy.
Heart disease Long-standing sleep deprivation is linked with an increased heart rate, an increase in blood pressure and higher levels of certain chemicals linked with inflammation, which may put extra strain on the heart.
Diabetes It is thought that missing out on deep sleep may lead to type 2 diabetes by changing the way the body processes glucose, which the body uses for energy.
Weight gain Studies have shown that people who sleep less than seven hours a day tend to gain more weight and have a higher risk of becoming obese than those who get seven hours sleep. It’s believed to be because sleep-deprived people have reduced levels of leptin, the chemical that makes you feel full, and increased levels of ghrelin, the hunger-stimulating hormone.
These are just a few of the serious medical conditions that can be associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Sleep is essential for a long and healthy life.
