Lack of Sleep Can Lead to Cardiovascular Disease

Seven or more hours of sleep each night will result in greater quality of life, better work performance, and general alertness. According to sleep experts, insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions including cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and stroke.

An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is involuntary and the individual usually wakes himself up after a breathing pause that lasts anywhere from ten seconds up to 30 seconds, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause a high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.

Tips for sleeping better include: try to create and maintain a regular sleep schedule for waking and bedtime; give yourself two hours to settle down before bed – avoid stimulating activities and consuming caffeine, chocolate, alcohol or nicotine products; sleep in a quiet, dark, cool room.

Those people that have trouble sleeping should seek the help from their doctor or from a sleep specialist.