We spend one-third of life sleeping. It’s a beloved pastime of many. However, it’s not just beloved but essential to the mind and body. Read seven eye-opening facts about sleep that may get you thinking about your own sleep behavior and whether you should seek proper treatment.
Millions of People Have OSA And Don’t Know
50-70 million Americans have a sleep disorder. Insomnia is most commonly known, yet 25 million US adults have sleep apnea. Untreated OSA is harmful and may increase the risk of stroke, depression, erectile dysfunction, and more.
Multiple Sleep Disorders Can Lead to Heart Disease
Many health issues are tied to a lack of sleep. Researchers looked at 10 years worth of sleep habits from participants and found those who have insomnia were 22% more likely to have coronary artery disease. Another study finds sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attacks by 30%.
Smartphones Contribute to Poor Sleep
People have grown accustomed to getting in bed with their smartphones, but those moments could be a significant contributor to sleep problems. Harvard found that exposure to blue light from electronics before sleep delayed the production of melatonin, an important hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep. Instead of helping your mind and body relax, blue light stimulates your brain and makes it tougher to get a good night’s sleep.
Related: Blue Light and Sleep: How Electronics Can Hurt You
Insomnia is Linked to Depression
Lack of sleep is often tied to other health problems, including sleep apnea, depression, and anxiety. Anxiety and depression are of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders. Researchers found 75% of people diagnosed with depression also deal with insomnia as a core symptom.
Sleep Disorders Have Killed Well-Loved Celebrities
Unfortunately, sleep apnea was a contributing factor in the death of beloved celebrities such as Carrie Fisher, James Gandolfini, John Candy, Justin Tennison, Reggie White, President William Howard Taft, and more.
You Can Be Predisposed for a Sleep Disorder
A 2018 study of the human genome has confirmed that insomnia is at least partially genetic. You can inherit a higher chance of suffering from insomnia, but not insomnia itself. Genes play a part, but habits are an essential element of the equation.Curbing habits can prolong or eradicate a predisposition. For example, avoiding caffeine a few hours before bedtime will help counteract a genetic predisposition to insomnia.
Sleep Apnea is Responsible for $150 Billion In Losses
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine calculated that the economic burden of undiagnosed sleep apnea in US adults was close to $149.6 billion in 2016. Of that, workplace and motor vehicle accidents account for over $32 billion.
What’s not surprising is the fact knowledgeable sleep professionals are ready to help! A sleep study allows for proper diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, a we can direct you toward the best sleeping supplies and provide you with experienced insight.
References
American Thoracic Society. (2007, May 21). Sleep Apnea Increases Risk Of Heart Attack Or Death By 30 Percent. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 18, 2020 from: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070520183533.htm
Nutt, D., Wilson, S., & Paterson, L. (2008). Sleep disorders as core symptoms of depression. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 10(3), 329–336. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181883/