Sleep Disorder

Source of Article – Daily Mirror

Why we all need more sleep

33% of us have sleep disorders such as insomnia, according to a recent report for the Mental Health Foundation, Charlotte Haigh

Posted On Tuesday, November 08, 2011

It’s official, we’re not getting enough shut-eye. Some 33% of us have sleep disorders such as insomnia, according to a recent report for the Mental Health Foundation. And 80% of us rate our sleep as inadequate. But that doesn’t just leave you snapping at the kids or snoozing at your desk – poor sleep could have serious consequences for mental and physical health as well.

“We still don’t fully understand the reasons why we need to sleep, but we do know about the effects of not getting enough,” says Bupa clinical adviser Dr Sarah Salvilla. Here are some of the health implications of sleep deprivation.

Matters of the mind

Recent research from Stanford University in the US suggests fragmented sleep can cause memory lapses.

“Sleep is thought to be important for preserving our mental function, which is why feelings of tiredness and low concentration are common after poor sleep,” says Dr Salvilla.

Low mood

Anxiety disorders and depression are strongly connected to a lack of sleep and it can become a vicious cycle. Insomnia causes anxiety among sufferers, which then triggers further sleep disruption.

All tired out

Seen those “Don’t drive tired” signs on the motorway? They’re there for a reason. “Drowsy driving causes about 20% of all accidents on major roads, according to government figures – and that’s probably underestimating the issue,” says Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University.

Weight gain

Bad sleepers have a higher risk of serious weight gain. “Studies suggest a lack of sleep might affect the balance of appetite hormones, so you eat more and less healthily,” says Dr Salvilla. The obesity connection may also explain why poor sleepers are at higher risk of diabetes.

Heart disease

Long-term sleep deprivation raises the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure – and research from the University of Warwick found the link is stronger in women. Scientists believe a lack of sleep may increase inflammation, which can damage arteries. Sleeping soundly at night is well known to lower blood pressure.

Cancer risk

Over time, women who sleep fewer than 7 hours a night have a 47% increased risk of cancer, an American study found. Shift workers who have to stay up at unsociable hours have a much higher chance of developing the disease, too. According to Prof Foster, it may be because the immune system response is dampened by the body’s continual attempts to override its natural sleep/wake cycle. This often takes place when you force yourself to stay awake throughout the night.

Trouble-shooting insomnia

Been staring at the ceiling for hours, listening to the clock ticking? “Try not to lie in bed thinking about how much sleep you are missing,” says Dr Salvilla. “It’s best to get up and read until you feel sleepy, then go back to bed.”

And if your insomnia’s long term? “Medicines can help, but they may not work for very long and can sometimes make you feel drowsy ­the following day,” he says. “Plus, they can be addictive and you will need to take more and more to get the same effect.” Instead, you should try to deal with any sources of stress disturbing your sleep.

Or, if you’re a naturally tense person who finds it hard to switch off, learn relaxation techniques such as meditation. Insomnia can be a sign-of depression or anxiety, so see your doctor if you have other symptoms such as low mood.