According to a new study, men who don’t receive adequate sleep are at higher risk of premature death. This research highlights the importance of getting enough sleep and the risks associated with a lack of sleep.

What is a Lack of Sleep?

A lack of sleep refers to a state in which an individual receives less than the recommended amount of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults receive 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Sleeping less than this amount on a regular basis can be harmful to your health.

The Study

The study in question involved 10,308 individuals who were followed over a period of 14 years. During that time, 1879 individuals died.

Researchers found that men who slept six hours or less per night were 1.83 times more likely to experience premature death than men who slept for 7-8 hours per night. This was after controlling for other factors that could affect health such as age, smoking, and physical activity.

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Why Is There a Risk?

There are several factors that could be contributing to the increased risk of premature death in men who don’t receive enough sleep. One of the main reasons is that a lack of sleep affects the body’s ability to regulate hormones.

Specifically, it can throw off the balance of the hormones that regulate metabolism, insulin, and glucose. When these hormones get out of balance, it can lead to weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, all of which increase the risk of premature death.

How Can You Get More Sleep?

If you are having trouble sleeping, there are several things you can do to improve your sleep habits:.

1. Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This will help your body wind down and get ready for sleep.
3. Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
4. Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol at least four hours before bedtime.
5. Exercise regularly, but finish at least three hours before bedtime.
6. Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. If necessary, use earplugs or a white noise machine to block out noise.

Conclusion

A lack of sleep is a serious health concern that can increase the risk of premature death. This new study highlights the importance of getting enough sleep and the risks associated with a lack of sleep.

By establishing healthy sleep habits, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of premature death.