Sleeping Could Be America’s Next Big Problem
Poor sleep is one of the most overlooked drivers of modern illness. Chronic sleep deprivation is
linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and higher mortality (NIH, link).
Even
moderate nightly sleep loss impairs cognition, immunity, and mood (Healthline, link). You may
even feel the effects of sleep loss in intangible fogginess or other ways yet to be scientifically
quantified or researched.
Beyond hours slept, the regularity of sleep is equally important. A large study found that irregular bedtimes and wake times significantly raise the risk of disease, even among people who average enough total sleep (The Guardian, link).
As internal medicine physicians, we now view sleep as a “vital sign.” Just as we monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, we must routinely ask about how you are sleeping. By promoting sleep hygiene, which includes regular schedules, reduced nighttime screen use, evaluation for sleep apnea, etc., we can tackle this invisible epidemic at its root.
Beyond hours slept, the regularity of sleep is equally important. A large study found that irregular bedtimes and wake times significantly raise the risk of disease, even among people who average enough total sleep (The Guardian, link).
As internal medicine physicians, we now view sleep as a “vital sign.” Just as we monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, we must routinely ask about how you are sleeping. By promoting sleep hygiene, which includes regular schedules, reduced nighttime screen use, evaluation for sleep apnea, etc., we can tackle this invisible epidemic at its root.
