Sleep Disorders Can Cause Premature Death
Researchers have discovered that sleep deficiency on a long-term basis may lead to death. Scientists have identified some 86 sleep disorders and left untreated can lead to life-threatening diseases like hypertension, depression and diabetes.
According to The Lancet Medical Journal, physicians should include a check up on patient’s sleeping hours and routine since the deficiency of sleep hours may lead to health complications. The general physician should have the preparation and training necessary to address and treat the sleeping disorders that may be uncovered.
One adult Briton in four has sleeping problems and one out of ten is suffering from insomnia according to the review. The lives of these people are affected because they are in constant state of fatigue and mood swings. Charles Morin of the Universite Laval in Quebec City and Ruth Bena from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA, are both review authors, says that insomnia has an extensive prolonged consequence on one’s wellbeing.
Individuals who have 6 to 8 hours sleep at night are in better health than others and generally live longer. Those who sleep less than 6 hours may die prematurely due to resulting diseases. Those with insomnia would be 5 times prone to nervousness and melancholy. They would most likely acquire heart problems, diabetes and are at risk to an early death.
Those who suffer sleep disorders are less productive and have more absences from work. Economic and financial problems can occur on such situations.
Anti-depressants and anti-histamines are still not approved as treatments for insomnia. In America, hypnotic drugs and cognitive behavioral (CBT) therapy are recognized as a cure for insomnia. CBT is a therapy which utilizes behaviour modification and psychological methods sleep restrictions, stimulus control, relaxation techniques, and others. So far CBT is the most effective therapy for insomnia sufferers. It is more effective than drug therapy and has no known side effects.
Sleep experts have noted that there is an utter disregard about the importance of sleep. There are campaigns on exercise and diet but one can never hear anything to tell people how sleep affects daily lives. The value of getting enough sleep should be highlighted to prevent sleep disorders which in turn can cause more health problems.
The former chairman of the British Sleep Society and sleep expert, Dr. Neil Stanley, states that insomnia is “completely neglected” by the doctors, the government, and by the National Health Service. He stressed that there people should pay more attention to sleep disorders and having them cured before more serious health problems occur. The need to have a full night’s sleep should be imparted to children at an early age as well.
