Posts Tagged ‘Cortisol’

Stress can DECREASE your longevity

04.02.10

STRESS (- 2 years)

Did you know that you could lose a year of your life for every major stressful event that you experience (losing your job, personal injury/illness, death of a family member or spouse, divorce)? In order to cope with stress the body releases cortisol, the stress hormone.

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Research is showing that raised cortisol levels kill cells within the brain that controls memory and can cause premature aging of the brain. Stress increases your chances of heart attack or stroke and may have a very negative effect on your immune system.

Negative stress-management techniques such as overeating, denial, binge drinking, taking drugs and smoking are only short-term solutions that should be avoided. Focus on positive ways to cope with stress such as relaxation, exercise, massage, artistic expression or talking with family, friends, or a therapist.

Lack of sleep can DECREASE your longevity

12.19.09

LACK OF SLEEP (- 5 years)

Good-quality sleep is positively linked to successful aging and longer survival. On the flip side, fragmented sleep patterns tend to be a sign of faster aging and disease.

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Sleep studies prove that disrupted sleep raises levels of cortisol, blood fats, blood pressure, and cholesterol – all very powerful risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Additional effects of sleep deprivation include depression, irritability, decrease in immune function, memory and concentration levels and ability to handle stress.

The American Cancer Society performed a large study in 1950 and found that people who slept for just four or fewer hours a night had the highest death rates – while those who sleep excessively nine to ten hours a night had higher death rates. More recent research has confirmed that people sleeping six to seven hours a night live the longest.