Sleep Patterns Associated With Chronic Diseases

Posted March 15, 2011 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Sleep Patterns

Both short and long duration sleep are linked to chronic disease, according to a new Brigham and Women’s Hospital and San Diego State University study.
The amount of sleep you get each night is an indicator of specific chronic disease risk. “Seven to eight hours of sleep each night appears to be the ideal amount to maximize health benefits and minimize disease risks,” says Orfeu Buxton, Ph.D., co-lead author of the study. “What we’ve done that’s new with this research is examine the relationship of sleep to four chronic conditions.”
Analyzing data from 56,507 adults participating in the National Health Interview Survey, researchers found that short and long duration sleep was associated with an increase in probability for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
"Obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are among the leading causes of death in the United States. These findings emphasize the important role sleep plays in the health of Americans, and indicate that sleep may have a larger influence on these chronic diseases than diet or exercise," says Enrico Marcelli, SDSU professor and co-lead author of the paper.
Sleep plays a role in both health and disease. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage are all holistic therapies which can improve sleep naturally. They also have the advantage of being drug-free, in contrast to many sleep aids, which may cause:
• Reduced daytime alertness.
• Drowsiness.
• Allergic reactions.
• Headache.
• Balance difficulties.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for the treatment of sleep disorders as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.

Subscribe to Email Updates

Sign Up for the AMC Newsletter

Recent Posts