November 17, 2009
Sleep and health (2)
In 2003, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry in Japan reported on sleep guidelines. Findings show sleep to be a critical factor in terms of mental health. In Japan, sleeping problems occur in every one out of five people. Problems range from simply not getting a good night’s rest or difficulties in falling asleep. Due to this, approximately two million people in Japan take sleeping aides. Sleeping difficulties has become a national disease. Recent research shows sleep deprivation to cause immunological deterioration. In addition, deficiencies in sleeping are reported to possibly result in high-blood pressure, diabetes, depression and so on. The main reason why more and more people suffer from difficulties in sleeping is due to various stresses in the modern society, though diversification of life style and disturbance of a person’s daily rhythm can also cause sleeping disorders. Excessive stress stimulates the arousal center in the brain and people cannot easily fall asleep. In order to sleep well, we have to learn to handle the stress and do our best to decrease it.
