5 WAYS LONELINESS CAN NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

The effects of loneliness can be different for everyone, but according to experts, a few can be profound and wide-ranging, especially on your health. Doctors say the condition – which can make you feel empty, sad, or longing for company – has significant effects on your physical and mental health.

In 2023, the US Surgeon General released an advisory, calling attention to loneliness as an urgent public health issue. And while nearly everyone experiences some loneliness at some point in life, chronic loneliness can wreak havoc on your health.

Here’s a look at five ways it can affect your overall health and well-being.

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Interferes with your sleep

According to studies, loneliness leads to uninterrupted, unregulated sleep, which causes many other issues. Experts say you need to feel secure in your surroundings for a genuinely restful night’s sleep.

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According to doctors, loneliness - especially chronic loneliness, can increase the risk of having heart diseases like heart attacks and strokes by 40 per cent.

Chronic loneliness causes psychological stress, raising levels of stress hormones, which damage your arteries over time and lead to conditions like hypertension and atherosclerosis. Studies say people aged 45 years and older who live alone have a 27 per cent increased risk of dying of heart disease. Previous research has also suggested that loneliness increases blood pressure.

Increases the risk of dementia

Experts say those who report loneliness are nearly 40 per cent at increased risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments. According to doctors, it is important to make conversations and nurture relationships with coworkers, family, friends, and neighbours for fulfilling cognitive health.

A Chinese study says the risk of dementia among lonely people is higher in men.

Triggers chronic inflammation

The stress and isolation that loneliness brings can lead to chronic inflammation in your body. According to experts, inflammation is part of how your immune systems kick into action to protect you against harm or disease or heal.

And if your body sends distress signals even though there’s no physical injury or danger, it can lead to inflammation that in the long run can set in dangerous diseases and conditions like heart issues, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer.

According to studies, more socially isolated people have higher levels of inflammatory chemicals associated with poor health. The findings suggest that human bodies interpret loneliness as stress, injury, or pain.

Increases the risk of depression

Apart from physical issues, loneliness also causes mental health problems like increasing the risk of developing depression, since you may experience many symptoms such as emotional pain and helplessness.

2024-06-19T02:46:45Z dg43tfdfdgfd