We knew that lack of sleep and too short nights can be harmful to health. But the findings of a new study indicate that not having regular bedtime and waking hours can also may increase the risk of obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Monitoring of sleep hours for 6 years
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston (United States) have followed 2,003 men and women aged 45 to 84, for an average of six years to determine the associations between regular sleep and metabolic abnormalities. To ensure an objective measure of sleep duration and quality, participants wore actigraphic wristwatches to closely track sleep schedules. They also kept a sleep diary and answered standard questionnaires on sleep patterns and other factors related to lifestyle and health.
The conclusions of the study published in the journal Diabetes Care, show that “For every hour of variability in time spent in bed and asleep, a person can be up to 27% more likely to have a metabolic abnormality. “
The sleeping troubles today affect 20% of the population of industrialized countries. They are responsible for a large number of health disorders. Indeed, sleep deficiency can be responsible for car accidents, metabolic disorders, and heart problems. In addition, people who lack sleep have a higher risk of developing cancer. They also experience increased early mortality.
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