How Sleep Affects Health

SLEEP & HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

About High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure affects nearly 75 million people in the U.S.
Poor sleep can lead to higher risk high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a risk factor for serious health problems including heart disease, stroke and kidney failure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disease which causes to pressure in the arteries to increase to unsafe levels. High blood pressure is caused when the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood through tight or constricted arteries. The increased force and pressure can damage blood vessels and organs.

About Sleep And High Blood Pressure

Approximately 40% of people with high blood pressure also have obstructive sleep apnea. The changes in breathing caused by obstructive sleep apnea affect oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate, leading to a higher risk of developing hypertension and making blood pressure more difficult to control. Improved quality of sleep can help to lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of developing serious health problems.

SLEEP & DIABETES

About Diabetes

8% of the US population has diabetes (approximately 24 million people).
57 million people in the US are considered pre-diabetic
People with diabetes cannot make, or adequately use, the hormone insulin to control natural blood sugar

Testing for diabetes is usually simple. Once diagnosed, there are many treatments available for diabetic patients. Specific treatment plans vary from person to person, but may involve changes in diet and use of medication. Diabetics are also at an increased risk of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. Diabetes can be managed through regular medical care and proper education.

About Sleep And Diabetes

Sleep problems are common in people with diabetes, more than half of all people with diabetes also suffer from sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can also enhance to the physical problems caused by diabetes. Those with untreated diabetes and sleep apnea have an increased risk of stroke and vascular disease. Other sleep problems are common as well, including restless leg syndrome. Multiple studies suggest that adequate, quality sleep is important for the body to keep stable sugar levels.

If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about screening for sleep problems
Sleep problems and diabetes will likely decrease your ability to control your blood sugar levels and also lead to further complications and diseases
Schedule an appointment with a sleep doctor to discuss how to solve your sleep problems to help control your diabetes.

SLEEP & WEIGHT

About Weight

In the US, 1 out of every 3 adults are estimated to be overweight or obese
Overweight individuals have 36% higher annual medical expenses

Obesity can cause or contribute to many diseases and health problems. Reducing weight to a healthy level can improve quality of life and reduce the chance physical disability and death.

Not only can obesity contribute to sleep problems, but sleep disorders can also increase the chance of weight gain or make it more difficult to lose weight.

About Sleep And Weight

Chronic sleep deprivation impacts the hormones that control weight gain and loss
Sleep apnea can make it very difficult to lose weight

Sleep problems are common in people who are overweight. For example, 40 % of those who are overweight also have sleep apnea. Research has shown that sleep disorders can impact the hormones that suppresses or stimulate appetite. Poor sleep can also cause or contribute to impaired regulation of glucose, insulin, and cortisol levels, which are directly related to weight control. Studies have shown a remarkable reduction in sleep apnea and improved sleep with weight loss. Most dramatically, weight loss surgery eliminates sleep apnea in up to 80% of patients once they reach their goal weight.

SLEEP & MENOPAUSE

About Menopause

Most women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone.

There are an estimated 46 million post-menopausal women in the US
Menopause causes a number of hormonal and health changes occur

The discomfort of the changes that occur with menopause can compromise quality of life.

About Sleep And Menopause

61% of women report sleep disturbance during menopause
Insomnia can exacerbate the symptoms of disorders that occur commonly during menopause
The likelihood of common sleep disorders increase significantly during and after menopause

Sleep disruption is can occur before, during and after menopause. Common sleep disturbances include insomnia, and the symptoms of fibromyalgia (frequent awakenings and difficulty falling asleep due to pain). The direct links between sleep disturbance and menopause is unclear, but careful assessment and treatment for sleep disorders are key to successful management of the other health-related issues associated with menopause. Treatment for the symptoms of menopause and sleep problems has been shown to be highly effective.

SLEEP & CARDIOVASCULAR

About Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease refers to ailments of the heart and blood vessels such as high blood pressure
While a heart attack or other cardiovascular problem may occur without warning, the causes are likely to have been present for decades

The causes of cardiovascular vary widely and include genetics, obesity and lifestyle factors. Certain sleep disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Once diagnosed, treatment for cardiovascular disease varies from person to person and may involve use of medication, changes in lifestyle or surgery.

About Sleep And Cardiovascular Disease

Sleep disorders increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Likewise, cardiovascular disease increases the risk of developing a sleep disorder

Sleep problems are commonly found in people with cardiovascular disease. One out of every three people with high blood pressure also has sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for high blood pressure, but it may increase the chance of abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks and stroke. Additionally, those who suffer from congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation are more likely to have sleep apnea. Those with high blood pressure are also more likely to have insomnia or hypersomnia. Those who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease should seek immediate treatment for any sleep problems that develop.

SLEEP & YOUR HEALTH