Lack of a good night’s sleep can make you feel exhausted the next day, but for those who suffer chronic sleep problems, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The professionals at Glacier Headache & Sleep Medicine in Kalispell, MT, want you to know that suffering from sleep issues can cause long-term problems, so it’s beneficial to solve them as soon as possible. Below is a more in-depth look at precisely what can happen if your sleep problems go unattended. 

3 Long-Term Effects of Sleep Problems 

1. Stress on Heart & Brain 

One of the most common effects of sleep deprivation is increased blood pressure, according to experts. For those who are older, suffering sleep problems can quickly increase the risk of more serious issues, such as heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, and hypertension. If you’re already suffering from high blood pressure, then lack of sleep could be a dangerous combination, so finding a timely solution to your sleep disorder is essential.

2. Increased Chance of Diabetes 

A Swedish study performed in 2004, found that patients receiving less than five hours of sleep per day were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop diabetes; even more so for those already suffering from sleep apnea. This is because an unhealthy sleep pattern affects the way insulin is processed in the body. When your body isn’t properly processing insulin, it causes your blood sugar levels to be erratic, eventually developing into a serious issue. 

3. Memory Loss

It’s no mystery that an awful night’s sleep makes you cranky and exhausted the following day, but it can also seriously diminish your short-term memory. What’s not commonly known is that this could also be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. One important study has found a direct link between poor sleep and neurodegeneration—one of the leading contributors to the development of the disease. 

To avoid long-term health issues like the ones mentioned above, get a handle on your sleep problem before it grows out of control. Glacier Headache & Sleep Medicine in Kalispell has helped hundreds of people overcome their sleeping issues, so call them today at (406) 752-1729 to learn how they can help you. With more than 10,000 sleep studies performed since 1995, they’ve become one of the area’s premier sleep medicine facilities. Visit them online for a closer look at their services.