Sleeping Less Than Six Hours A Night Increases The Risks Of An Early Death

Not getting six hours of sleep a night increases the chances of an early death by an incredible 12%, according to health experts.

Hormones are released as a result of sleep loss that speeds up the heart rate and raises blood pressure.

Oh, over a third of the UK population are currently putting themselves at risk- so this is a major issue.

The health problems that are encouraged by sleep deficit include diabetes, obesity and heart disease, reports the Independent.

Public Health England have launched a nationwide campaign to get people to make seven lifestyle changes including stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol and sleeping more.

A key age bracket where people can positively affect their future health is between 40 and 60 - which Public Health England describes as ‘a unique but neglected opportunity for intervention.’

Lisa Artis from the British Sleep Council said: ’Lack of sleep is a growing problem. Firstly people don’t place enough importance on sleep and the health benefits being well-rested can have.”

‘Secondly, unlike a lot of well understood life changes such as eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, sleep isn’t really on the agenda.

‘Unlike diet sleep is a hard thing to regiment and a whole number of factors such as having small children, having other health issues and environmental factors can all disturb sleep patterns.’

Middle-aged people have been advised to sleep 7-9 hours a day

Lloyds Pharmacy pharmacist, Alison Freemantle said: ‘The average middle aged adult should be aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep a night, as this is all that should be needed to feel well rested.

‘However, everyone is different, and the amount of time needed can range from 6-10 hours, so if you feel sleepy during the day, then you may need to make sure you increase your hours.’

So sleep more, drink less hooch and quit the smokes - basically live less like a film noir villain and you should be okay.

Reports from yahoo.com