Recent studies have shown that more people are getting less than six hours of sleep per night and that 75% of Americans report difficulty sleeping at least a few nights each week. While short-term loss of sleep may not cause health problems, chronic sleep loss can contribute to serious health problems. The Harvard Women's Health Watch reports that chronic lack of quality sleep can affect your health in six major areas.

Sleep helps the brain store new information in memory. People who sleep well after learning a new task do better when tested later. Lack of sleep is suspected of contributing to increased plaque formation in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. Chronic sleep deprivation alters levels of hormones that affect appetite and carbohydrate metabolism that may result in weight gain and increased risk of diabetes. Sleep disorders cause changes in stress hormone levels that increase blood pressure and cause irregular heartbeat. Chronic lack of sleep is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Sleep deprivation alters immune function. Adequate sleep is associated with decreased risk of cancer and infections. Sleep loss results in mood changes such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and impatience. Sleep debt increases the risk of accidents at work and while driving.

A common cause of lack of sleep is sleep apnea. More than 12 million Americans are believed to have obstructive sleep apnea. In obstructive sleep apnea breathing may stop for up to 20 seconds ten or more times per hour. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a temporary obstruction of the airway during sleep. Obstruction can be caused by weight gain as the airway is narrowed by increased fat deposits. During sleep the muscles that normally keep the airway open while awake relax causing the airway to narrow or even close. The most common signs of sleep apnea are chronic loud snoring, gasping or choking while asleep, and fatigue from lack of quality sleep even if you think you have gotten enough sleep. Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, change in position while asleep or the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. A CPAP device involves wearing a mask that blows air into your throat at pressure just high enough to prevent obstruction.

If you have difficulty getting quality sleep for any reason, discuss it with your doctor. Improving the quality and amount of your sleep may improve your health and your quality of life.

References: http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/importance_of_sleep_and_health, http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2007/April/docs/01features_02.htm, http://sleepdisorders.about.com/b/2009/08/07/sleep-deprivation-increases-risk-for-diabetes.htm, http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17853-lack-of-sleep-linked-to-alzheimers.html.

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