The Scary Side of Sleep Deprivation: Can Lack of Sleep Increase Suicide Risk?
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How dangerous is sleep deprivation? Everyone knows that the lack of sleep is bad for the health. As a matter of fact, the list of negative effects may seem endless. Poor sleep is often associated with obesity, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular diseases. It is no secret that lack of sleep may cause damage to the body, from memory and looks to being grumpy and foggy. A recent study, however, found a new angle that focuses on the suicide risk of sleep deprivation among older Americans. Contrary to popular belief, a team of researchers claims that older adults also need a good night’s sleep. Regardless of age, that need does not diminish at all.
The Link between Poor Sleep and Suicide Lead researcher from Stanford University reveals that having problems with sleep may put people at 1.4 times greater risk for self-harm and suicide. But when controlled for depression and anxiety, the risk becomes 1.2 times higher. To come up with the conclusion, researchers analyzed hundreds of seniors for 10 years. Twenty of them took their own life due to reported low sleep quality. When it comes to determining the risk of suicide in older Americans, the study explains difficulty falling asleep is a much better indicator than depressive symptoms. The alarming finding has prompted concerns and the need for more attention among baby boomers when it comes to sleep.
Making Sleep a Priority A survey from the National Sleep Foundation shows that having the best sleep lies in making it a priority or not. Researchers argued that good quality of sleep starts long before people go to bed. Apart from paying attention to regular exercise, healthy diet and quiet room, the key to better sleep might just be in the mattress.
Choosing the right mattress and mattress topper can impact quality of sleep. It helps improve blood flow, reducing the pressure points on the body. As a result, it gives a person better sleep. Memory foam mattresses, for instance, may help with problems in sleeping and lower back. If people will not try, researchers claim they will never have a good night’s sleep. Achieving it isn’t always easy, which is why establishing nightly regimen is a must.
Sources: http://news.health.com/2014/08/15/study-hints-at-link-between-poor-sleep-suicide-risk/ http://sleepwarehouse.com/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/02/sleep-in-america-poll2015_n_6753128.html?utm_hp_ref=@sleep123