Too Little, Too Much Sleep Linked to Premature Death

A recent study by the University of Warwick in the UK and the Federico II University in Naples, Italy has discovered that abnormal sleep levels, that is those that are more or less than 6-8 hours, are linked to premature death. The researchers simply studied the connection between these abnormal sleep levels and the increased chance of death. The study found that people who got too little sleep had a 12 percent higher chance of premature death, while those who got too much had a 30 percent higher chance of premature death. One of the leaders of the study, Cappuccio stated that, "Whilst short sleep may represent a cause of ill-health, long sleep is believed to represent more and indicator of ill-health." Thus sleeping too long usually means health is deteriorating and the premature death will be caused by some other factor not linked to sleep.

This study interests me because in our current world, sleep deprivation due to long work hours or increased time spent studying or doing activities is very common, especially in college. It worries me that a lack of sleep in my college years could possibly effect my health in a way that would cause premature death. I also know that having a full-time job and other responsibilities once I leave college will also leave the possibility of a lack of sleep open. After reading this study, I will try to control my sleeping hours so that they are more normal as to eliminate the negative effects this study has found.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/187689.php