Today’s health is the result of yesterday’s habits. A longitudinal study conducted with teens who were re-examined 7 years later revealed the impact of adolescent sleep habits on present, adult health. Teens who experienced short sleep times showed a significant increase in total cholesterol as adults. Apparently, our habits have a domino effect. The study suggests that sleep deprivation leads to irregular and high calorie eating (who doesn’t remember late night pizza and ice cream?) which impact weight, which impacts motivation to exercise- all of which affect health. Adequate rest is proving to be a cheap, most cost-effective and pleasant treatment for cholesterol. Take responsible action: plan for tomorrow’s health, today.
Gangwisch JE, Malaspina D, Babiss LA, Opler MG, Posner K, Shen S, Turner JB,
Zammit GK, Ginsberg HN. Short sleep duration as a risk factor for hypercholesterolemia: analyses of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Sleep. 2010 Jul;33(7):956-61. PubMed PMID: 20614855; PubMed Central
PMCID: PMC2894437. – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20614855
