Sleep is a restorative activity, and if sleep time is cut
short or fractured (interrupted) the body does not have time to complete
repairs or restore energy. Hormones are
not released in the proper amounts.
Epidemiological studies have shown that people who sleep
less than 6 hours may show the following:
- Increased
risk of developing hypertension, stroke, obesity, and diabetes
- Acceleration
of memory loss
- Reduction
of immune system function
- Increase
of osteoporosis (animal model), cardiac disease, and mortality
- Increased
risk for colon cancer and likelihood of precancerous polyps
Regular sleep affects daily functioning and physical,
mental, and emotional health. It is
essential for our survival.