Lack of sleep, how it affects the body’s organ systems

• In Europe, the US is already ahead of the game; in Germany, the incidence of cardiovascular disease is lower than in other countries, which may be related to differences in sleep duration.
• Insufficient sleep is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Sleep deprivation is also linked to impaired immune function and a higher risk of infections.

In Europe, at this hour in the United States, sleep deprivation is already affecting the body’s organ systems: in Germany, the incidence of cardiovascular disease remains lower than in other countries, which may be related to differences in sleep duration. At the same time, it is known that insufficient sleep can increase the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as impair immune function and increase the likelihood of infections.

According to the words of professor Klaus Traidl-Gofmann, director of the Institute of Ecological Medicine at Augsburg University, insufficient sleep can affect the organ systems, but it is not the only factor. He also notes that the key is the duration of sleep: the shorter the sleep, the higher the risk. He adds that the body needs sleep to properly regulate processes and maintain health.

Traidl-Gofmann explains that sleep deprivation affects the body’s systems: it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, raise stress hormone levels, and disrupt metabolic processes. He also emphasizes that there is no single cause—rather, several factors interact, and the longer the sleep deprivation lasts, the greater the potential harm.

The material also notes that the exact mechanism of how insufficient sleep affects the body is complex: according to Traidl-Gofmann, it is likely related to hormonal regulation and inflammation processes. He further says that there is evidence that sleep deprivation can worsen overall health and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

During the day, sleep deprivation can lead to reduced concentration and impaired reaction time. Over time, this can also affect the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of developing chronic conditions. He also points out that sleep is important for recovery and for maintaining normal functioning of the body.

In addition, the material cites a report by The Lancet Countdown Europe, which says that in 2024 in Europe there will be 62,000 deaths due to heat-related risks, caused by climate change, and that this figure may rise further by 2050. In this context, the report’s author, Dr Hans Kluge, Regional Director for Europe at the World Health Organization (WHO), says that the biggest challenge is not only the heat itself, but also the lack of adequate adaptation measures—without substantial action, mortality could increase further by 2050.

Tags: Weather/Well-being/Europe