Studies Reveal Leading Causes of Sleep Deprivation and Long-Term Effects

Research reveals long-term negative effects of sleep deprivation on health

Logo

Silkeborg, Denmark -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/21/2014 --The significance of quality sleep is not a new idea. Over 2,000 years ago, Greek physician Hippocrates wrote, “disease exists if either sleep or watchfulness be excessive.” A good sleep promotes overall physical and mental well-being, along with diet and exercise. A pioneering study in 1999 by Spiegel, et al. pointed out that sleep prevents premature aging.

Poor sleeping quality and duration affects one’s physical, emotional, mental, and social health. It is frequently caused by obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. A clinical study demonstrates that lack of sleep affects work, chores, concentration, forgetfulness, mental tiredness, alertness, irritability, energy, daytime sleepiness, and social functioning.

Sleep deprivation is more common nowadays, especially in developed countries. Dr. Richard Bootzin, Director of the University of Arizona Sleep Research Laboratory, briefly summarized, “sleep is something that people generally feel they can manage on their own. People are generally proud that they are doing so well on so little sleep.”

About 30 percent of working Americans do not get enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep disorders have been associated with traffic and job-related accidents and elevated risks from obesity, disease, and heart attacks.

A recent survey indicates many Americans might be losing sleep due to spending the hour before bedtime in front of a mobile phone, television, or computer. Although the survey does not prove that bright light interrupts sleep, some experts suggest making an “electronic curfew” an hour before sleeping time. This means people should dim lamps and avoid watching TV or checking their e-mail.

Environmental conditions, like temperature, light, noise, and bed comfort, also play an important role in one’s ability to have proper sleep. Studies prove that high sound levels during sleep can lessen its intensity, cause disruptions during the night, and increase stress hormone secretion. Intermittent sounds, like revving car or occasional honking, disturb sleep more. A study discovered that living in urban areas cause young adults to be chronically sleep deprived to some degree and affect these individuals’ moods.

There are a number of ways to reduce the noise and other environmental conditions which affect sleep quality. Here are some suggestions to make the bedroom more conducive to sleep:

1. Buy comfortable bedding, such as pillows, sheets, comforters, duvets, or other coverings.
2. Turn out the lights to condition the body it is time to sleep. Eliminate as much light as possible, using curtains or shades.
3. Keep all electronic gadgets and appliances out of the bedroom as much as possible.
4. Turn down the volume by turning off TVs, radios, closing the bedroom door, and using heavy curtains, most especially if traffic noise or other outdoor noise is a problem.
5. Adjust the thermostat. Find the comfortable temperature for sleeping.
6. Use the bed for sleeping and not as an office or family recreation space.

About Skandinavisk Dynekompagni
Skandinavisk Dynekompagni is a Danish-owned duvet shop, whose mission is to provide our customers with duvets, double duvets, pillows, towels, baby quilts, blankets, towels, etc. for the best prices. We have a large range, which makes it possible for us to offer the leading brands on the market at discount prices - without compromising either design or quality. We sell products for everyday use, which is why we see it as our duty to negotiate exclusively products where quality is top class.

Media Relations Contact

Skandinavisk Dynekompagni
http://skandinavisk-dynekompagni.dk

View this press release online at: http://rwire.com/480226