Sleep: Undervalued and Necessary

[CoastWatcher]

In 2017, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to researchers, James C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young, all from the United States for explaining how "plants, animals, and humans adapt their biological rhythm so that it is synchronized with the Earth's revolutions." In other words, we are programmed to sleep at a certain time and for a specific length of time. Failure to get proper rest can result in a host of health issues. In addition to the well-known finding that sleep loss can hammer androgens, more and more issues are becoming clearer.

• Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms and increases health risks in men and women.It's been known for some time that shift work has a negative effect on everyone's health. Recent studies suggest that disruptions in sleep impact men and women significantly. Those who work shifts are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
  In older adults elevated triglycerides are the predominant marker for disrupted circadian rhythm.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness/long naps, resulting from disrupted sleep, are related to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Light exposure at night disrupts the body's natural rhythms, and "could be playing a role in the obesity epidemic."

• Diabetes risk is higher for middle-aged adults who habitually stay up late.

Helio: Endocrine Today, October 2, 2017
https://www.healio.com/endocrinolog...campaign=endocrinology news&m_bt=852809511235

 

[xml]

Do you ever wonder why all living things have some form of dormancy period? I often think of how much more can be done if sleep wasn't necessary to live.

 

[smithwilliamsw]

Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.