It’s no secret that getting a good night’s sleep is important for your health. But what many people don’t know is that the amount of sleep you get can also play a role in your mortality. A recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research looked at the relationship between sleep duration and mortality, and the results were surprising.
The Journal of Sleep Research Shares Data
The study found that people who slept for less than six hours a night were more likely to die than those who slept for seven or eight hours. Even more surprising was the fact that people who slept for nine or more hours a night were also at an increased risk of death. So what does this mean?
Correlation Doesn’t Always Equal Causation
Well, it’s important to remember that correlation does not necessarily equal causation. Just because there is a relationship between sleep and mortality doesn’t necessarily mean that one causes the other. However, the study does suggest that there may be a link between the two.
There are many possible explanations for why this might be the case. It could be that people who sleep less are more likely to have underlying health conditions that increase their risk of death. Or it could be that sleep deprivation leads to poor health choices, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
Whatever the case may be, this study provides yet another reason to make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye. So if you’re not getting seven or eight hours a night, it might be time to start making some changes.
Other Factors for Mortality
Other common factors for mortality other than but can be linked to sleep deprivation are mental disorders and physical health conditions.
Mental Disorders
Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety can lead to death by suicide. In the United States, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death and approximately 123 Americans die by suicide every day. Suicide is preventable, but it is important to be aware of the warning signs which include talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness, increasing alcohol or drug abuse, withdrawing from friends and activities, abnormal mood swings, and giving away prized possessions. If you are worried about someone, do not leave them alone and make sure to get help from a professional if needed.
Physical Health Conditions
Physical health conditions can also lead to death. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Other common causes of death include cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and stroke. These conditions are often preventable with a healthy lifestyle which includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. If you have any concerns about your health, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences on your mental and physical health. If you are struggling to get enough sleep, make sure to talk to your doctor so they can help you find a solution. Getting enough rest is vital for living a long and healthy life.
In Conclusion
Sleep is important for your health and well-being. If you are not getting enough sleep, make sure to talk to your doctor so they can help you find a solution. Getting enough rest is vital for living a long and healthy life.
Thank you for reading! I hope this article was informative and helped you understand the importance of sleep. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I would love to hear from you!
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Leading causes of death in the United States | Data by race, ethnicity, and sex | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 18 September 2018, from leading causes of death in the United States | Data by race, ethnicity, and sex | CDC.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2017). Suicide Prevention. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved 18 September 2018, from Suicide Prevention.
WebMD. (2018). What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide? WebMD. Retrieved 18 September 2018, from What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide? – WebMD.
American Heart Association. (n.d.). Leading Causes of Death | American Heart Association. American Heart Association – Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.. Retrieved 18 September 2018, from Leading Causes of Death | American Heart Association – Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
