Joe says:

Yes. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, professor and vice chairman of surgery at Columbia University, people who are sleep deprived are at increased risk for heart attack. Although he readily admits, we're not entirely sure why.

Recent research studies suggest that getting 5 or fewer hours of sleep a night doubles your risk of developing high blood pressure, as compared with people who sleep 7 or 8 hours. Reseachers also note that sleep deprivation is associated with overweight/obesity and diabetes. Moreover, Dr. Oz emphasizes that poor sleep also impairs the body's production of growth hormone, which is essential for coping with stress as well as exposure to toxins. Others contend that the disturbed sleep patterns associated with obstructive sleep apnea can have an adverse impact on heart health. For these reasons, and more, it may be helpful to get your Zzzzs.
1 | Nov. 7, 2008 at 10:50am