A recent study has revealed that people who get less than six hours of sleep a night may be more likely to have risk factors that increase their odds of diabetes, heart disease and strokes.
“The ‘short’ sleepers should be aware of the risks of developing metabolic syndrome, which could lead them to suffer from life threatening and chronic diseases,” lead author Dr. Jang Young Kim of Yonsei University in South Korea told Reuters.
Metabolic syndrome is the combination of risk factors – including high blood sugar, high cholesterol, extra fat around the midsection, high blood pressure and excess amounts of fats in the blood.
Short sleep duration was linked to about 30 percent increased risk of high blood sugar and excess belly fat, as well as 56 percent higher odds of hypertension, compared to those who slept longer.
The researchers recommended that patients should take a close look at their daily routines and make sure they allow enough time in their schedule for rest.