Sleep deficiency suppresses the immune system and libido,
decreases productivity, and may lead to disorders such as
depression, chronic fatigue, headaches and heart disease.
Insomnia has also shown to decrease productivity rates, cause
mood swings, and possible weight-gain. There are many
attributing causes why many adults do not get a proper amount of
sleep. - Weight - Studies have found a link between obesity and
insomnia. - Age - Sleep hours are reduced as we age, which is
partly due to the decreased secretion of hormones such as
Melatonin Growth Hormone, the excessive secretion of Cortisol
(adrenal gland during stress), from decreased or increased
secretion of Thyroid hormones, and from an imbalance of the sex
hormones. - Stress/Anxiety - If a patient is severely depressed,
most likely they are also suffering from insomnia (some
statistics estimate around 90%). Anxiety also plays a big role
with estimates as high as 44% of those with an anxiety disorder
are unable to get the recommended amount of sleep. N