Sleep Deprivation Can Trigger Eight Serious Health Conditions
Getting less than seven hours of sleep per day can pose a serious threat to your health. According to Terra, neurologist Janaína Azevedo Santos Pacheco reports that chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing eight major health problems: high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, dementia, depression, and anxiety disorders.
The expert explains that lack of sleep disrupts the regulation of stress hormones and metabolism. It also increases inflammation in the body, raises blood pressure, and negatively impacts cardiovascular function. Disruptions in metabolism and insulin production further increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Moreover, ongoing sleep deficiency puts constant strain on the nervous system, leading to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, along with impairments in memory and concentration. People who don’t get enough sleep often experience daytime drowsiness and slower reaction times — factors that raise the risk of traffic accidents and workplace injuries.
To improve sleep quality, the doctor recommends:
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going to bed at the same time every night
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avoiding the use of phones and other gadgets in the evening
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keeping the bedroom dark and quiet
