Louisiana doctor warns that not getting enough rest poses significant health risks

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – Sleep plays a major role in your health, and several factors can impact it, such as time change. For example, car accidents often rise after the time changes.

KALB spoke with Dr. Sheila Asghar with LSU Health Shreveport, who said not getting enough sleep can do more harm than good.

“Sleep deprivation not only causes medical problems, it affects how your behavior and productivity in the sense where you may be making more mistakes,” said Dr. Asghar.

In addition to impacting work performance, sleep deprivation also increases your risk for strokes, hypertension, diabetes, heart issues and depression.

Dr. Asghar said Louisiana should take this seriously, given the state is one of the top five most obese in the country.

“If you have a thick neck and excess tissue, when you lie flat at night, that tissue presses on your airway,” Dr. Asghar said. “This causes snoring, and at times, you can stop breathing.”

The average person is recommended to get at least seven hours of sleep.

Electronic devices are another factor impacting sleep, as the light from screens suppresses melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy. Light prevents melatonin from being secreted.

Asghar suggests cutting screen time two hours before bed. If you struggle to put down your electronics, she recommends using a blue light filter.

If you are getting enough sleep, but still don’t feel rested, your sleep quality may be poor, and you should see a doctor.

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