Some quotes:
"scheduling a good night's sleep could be one of the smartest health priorities you set. "
"Possible health consequences of getting too little or poor sleep can involve the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems."
10 Reasons Not to Skimp on Sleep
Too busy to go to bed? Having trouble getting quality sleep once you do? Your health may be at risk
You may literally have to add it to your to-do list, but scheduling a good night's sleep could be one of the smartest health priorities you set. It's not just daytime drowsiness you risk when shortchanging yourself on your seven to eight hours. Possible health consequences of getting too little or poor sleep can involve the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition to letting life get in the way of good sleep, between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder—insomnia or sleep apnea, say—that affects daily functioning and impinges on health. Consider the research:
1) Less may mean more. For people who sleep under seven hours a night, the fewer zzzz's they get, the more obese they tend to be, according to a 2006 Institute of Medicine report.
2) You're more apt to make bad food choices.
3) Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, its precursor, may become more likely.
4) The ticker is put at risk. A 2003 study found that heart attacks were 45 percent more likely in women who slept for five or fewer hours per night than in those who got more.
5) Blood pressure may increase.
6) Auto accidents rise.
7) Balance is off.
8) You may be more prone to depression.
9) Kids may suffer more behavior problems.
