Lack Of Sleep Linked To Metabolic Syndrome
Lack of sleep linked to Metabolic Syndrome and does more than just sap your energy. It may also increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
South Korean researchers say that people who don’t get enough sleep at night are at risk for “metabolic syndrome,” which is the term used to describe the presence of at least three of the following five conditions in a person:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Elevated fasting plasma glucose
- High serum triglycerides
- Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels
If a person is diagnosed with at least three of the aforementioned conditions, he or she is said to have metabolic syndrome.
For the study, researchers from the Yonsei University in South Korea monitored 2,600 men and women over the course of two years, paying close attention to their sleep habits and health. Researchers found that 41% of participants who slept for less than six hours per night had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome when compared to participants who slept for eight or more hours per night.
“The ‘short’ sleepers should be aware of the risks of developing metabolic syndrome, which could lead them to suffer from life threatening and chronic diseases,” said the study’s lead researcher and author.
Sleep is important for our health and well-being, as it allows our bodies to “reset” so to speak. When you doze off into the deep REM sleep, your thoughts are transferred to the appropriate part of your brain, and your body prepares itself for the next day. Without sleep, stress will continue to build up within the body, leaving it susceptible to disease and illness, such as metabolic syndrome as noted in this study.
Unfortunately, though, as many as 70 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep or wakefulness disorder. If you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, there are a few things you can to do promote a good night’s rest. For starters, avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least four hours before bed. Also, eliminate all distractions from your bedroom, including light sources, TV, radio, blinding lights, your smartphone, etc.
Dunetz Wellness Center and Acupuncture Boca Raton have Wellness Programs that can be tailored to your specific needs and that may help you to turn this around.
Contact our patient coordinator to review what the Dunetz Wellness Center can do for you.
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