HOW YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR SLEEP ARE CONNECTED

Sleep disorders are diagnosed on a near-epidemic scale in the U.S. Many Americans are of the mindset that being a workaholic and getting little sleep is a badge of honor. Others struggle with stress-induced insomnia or sleep disorders like sleep apnea. It’s important to understand that high-quality sleep is crucial for your overall health. The reverse is also true: poor sleep and chronic disease go hand in hand. When you deprive your body of the rest it needs, you could place yourself at a higher risk of certain chronic diseases.

Obesity

Obesity is a serious disease that affects millions of Americans. One of the contributing factors of obesity is sleep deprivation. People who habitually sleep fewer than six hours per night are at a higher risk of packing on the pounds. This could be in part because sleep deprivation triggers cravings for sugary junk foods. Additionally, poor sleep discourages people from getting regular exercise. Sleep deprivation also disrupts the body’s hormonal balance, wreaking havoc on the body’s ability to regulate metabolism, appetite, and blood glucose.

Diabetes

Poor regulation of blood glucose caused by sleep deprivation can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes. The implications of diabetes are life-threatening when not properly managed. Diabetes places individuals at a higher risk of potentially fatal infections, limb amputations, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and even blindness. 

Heart Disease

Even if you don’t have obesity or diabetes, poor sleep habits can still place you at risk of cardiovascular disease. If you already have hypertension, or high blood pressure, even just one night of not getting enough sleep can spike your blood pressure the following day. Over time, your risk of stroke and coronary heart disease can become elevated. 

Here at Sleep Dynamics, we’re on a mission to improve the health and quality of life of our neighbors. We’ve seen the relationship between poor sleep and chronic disease up close. Our behavioral sleep medicine program in New Jersey has helped many patients get the restorative sleep they need. Schedule a consult today by calling (848) 217-0240.