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7. Sleep and healthlocked

  • Steven W. Lockley
  •  and Russell G. Foster

Abstract

What happens when we do not get enough sleep or suffer from disrupted sleep? Studies relating sleep to disease are best examined by epidemiological research. Studies have shown that reduced sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. There may also be a close relationship between sleep and mental health. ‘Sleep and health’ looks at these links in detail and asks: why didn't we appreciate these links until recently? There are other risks associated with poor sleep: safety, metabolism, and immune function. All studies seem to indicate that sleep is important and is essential to good health, along with diet and exercise.

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