A new study means to put out a warning out there, so short sleepers beware of the health risks that may result from poor rest hours.
- Researchers surveyed 2,600 participants over the course of 6 years
- ‘Short sleepers’ were defined as individuals who sleep 6 or less hours per night
- Short sleepers were 41% more likely of developing metabolic syndrome
- Metabolic syndrome has seen to significant increases of suffering from heart problems, stroke, or diabetes
Good quality sleep is one of the most important factors where it regards a healthy lifestyle. It adds more to the issues of diet and exercise that aid toward the purpose of a long life. However, not acquiring as much as needed could be significantly detrimental.
Researchers have concluded that ‘short sleepers’, or those who sleep 6 hours or less per night, are at an increased risk of several conditions. Notably, the heart is ultimately affected. The study has seen to 2,600 participants over the period of six years of intermittent surveys. They took into consideration the amount of sleep and the resulting consequences.
According to lead author of the study Dr. Jang Young Kim, short sleepers were 41% more likely of developing metabolic syndrome than the participants who enjoyed a full night’s sleep (6-8 hours).
Metabolic syndrome implies a combination of factors: high blood sugar and blood pressure, high cholesterol, excessive fat in the blood, and too much fat around the mid-section. All of these present with risk factors of developing unfortunate conditions, such as heart problems, stroke or diabetes.
The participants were surveyed in between 2005 and 2008, and then once again between 2008 and 2011. They went through physical examinations, and answered questions about their sleeping patterns. After an average of 2.6 years, around 560 people, or 22%, developed metabolic syndrome, according to the study.
The results increased the attention spent on the amount of hours spent sleeping per night. Getting only 6 or less hours of shut-eye every night was linked to a 30% increase of high blood pressure and excess fat around the mid-section. This further drags the problem closer to developing heart disease or diabetes.
Furthermore, short sleepers were a worrying 56% more likely to have hypertension, which additionally inflicts more strain on the heart. The findings are consistent to forging a link between too little sleep and metabolic syndrome, according sleep researcher, Kristen Knutson. It undoubtedly presents with a certain amount of risks that are entirely preventable.
The researchers have admitted to not taking into account the quality of sleep, and the fact that it was based on the participants’ ability to recall their sleep habits. However, the link has been nonetheless made.
According to Knutson, patients should pay a good amount of attention if they’re getting insufficient sleep. It may affect their health later on. So, things such as watching TV or gaming should be cut down on time in favor of sleep.
Image source: blog.doctoroz.com
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