As part of an ongoing series regarding the top causes of death in Southwest Utah, the Southwest Utah Public Health Department is highlighting the significant impact that lack of sleep has on major health risks. The report serves as an invitation for residents to be more intentional about sleep to reduce the risk of various leading killers.
Impact of Sleep on Healthy Habits
Studies cited in the report demonstrate that insufficient sleep can negate the positive impacts of healthy behaviors such as exercise and proper nutrition.
Increased Risks for Certain Cancers
Sleep deprivation is linked to several serious health conditions. It has been associated with an increased risk for certain cancers, including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, due to its effects on inflammation, cell repair, and immune function.
Cardiovascular and Stroke Health Risks
In terms of cardiovascular health, lack of sleep can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure by raising blood pressure, increasing stress hormones, and disrupting circadian rhythms. For those at risk of stroke, insufficient sleep may directly harm blood vessels in the brain and alter blood flow.
Neurological and Mental Health Consequences
Neurological and mental health risks are also prominent. Research indicates that getting 6 hours or less of sleep in midlife raises the risk for Alzheimer's disease due to the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists significant changes in sleep as a top warning sign for suicide, as sleep deprivation is linked to worsened mood and impaired impulse control.
Chronic Disease and Infection Vulnerability
The report also details risks related to chronic diseases and infections. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by impairing blood sugar regulation and increasing weight gain. It is also a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease by disrupting hormones and raising inflammation.
Respiratory Issues and Immune Function
For respiratory health, poor sleep may be more harmful than smoking for some COPD patients by increasing the risk of severe flare-ups. Furthermore, inadequate sleep increases the risk of contracting influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19, while potentially compromising vaccine effectiveness through a lower antibody response.
Other risks include unintentional injuries, such as car accidents, caused by impaired attention and slower reaction times. The report also notes that sleep deprivation increases vulnerability to septicemia by weakening the immune system.
Sleep neuroscientist and author Matthew Walker stated that the shorter a person's sleep, the shorter their life. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department encourages residents to prioritize adequate sleep to promote a longer and healthier life.
