We all grow up hearing this phrase “early to bed and early to rise”. When this phrase came into existence, it was not mentioned to have a good sleep. That might be because people did not have as much stress as nowadays. But now the scenario is different. Even if we go early to bed, our work pressure forces us to get up in the mid-night or a little late after mid-night. It impacts our health.

Sleeping Girl

A study conducted by Columbia University Medical Center has proved that if we sleep five or less hours a night, it may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure. The reason for this is explained as sleep tends to slow our heart rate and significantly drops the blood pressure for that duration. However, people who sleep for only short durations raise their average 24-hour blood pressure and heart rate. This causes our cardiovascular system to work at an increased pressure.

These less sleeping people are also seen to suffer from problems such as obesity, depression and diabetes. They exercise less, and have a higher body mass index. (BMI is a measurement used to assess body fatness). Sleep deprived people always feel like having something to eat, and also have a compromised insulin sensitivity. This explains their being diabetic and obese. But the study also says that short sleep and hypertension is not observed among people aged 60 or older, but only in the middle-aged people. It may be possible that these senior citizens would not survive in their later ages.

The study confirms that a good night's sleep is very important for good health. We should never ever compromise with our sleep and should definitely sleep at least for seven hours. So, if you are not sleeping to that much extent, start doing so. This will make you more relaxed and energetic, and you can work with better quality and productivity. So, go find a pillow and sweet dreamSmile!!!