Lack of Sleep linked to Increased Risk of Premature Death

Sleep is a naturally recurring state of relatively suspended sensory and motor activity, characterized by total or partial unconsciousness and the inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles. It is distinguished from quiet wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, and it is more easily reversible than hibernation or coma. It is essential for survival because enables the body to rest and cope from the energy lost throughout the day.

Researchers say people who get less than six hours sleep per night have an increased 12% risk of dying prematurely.

Development of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol has been linked to lack of sleep according to Francesco Cappuccio who led the study Britain's University of Warwick.

Society pushes people to sleep less and less. About 20 percent of the population in the United States and Britain sleeps less than five hours and is may be due to societal pressures for longer working hours and more shift work.

The study also found a link between sleeping more than nine hours per night and premature death, but Cappuccio said oversleeping is more likely to be an effect of illness, rather than a cause.

Research showed no adverse effects for those sleeping between six and eight hours per day.

*published in the Sleep Journal