Here’s how it affects your health

By Diana Kohnle

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

(HealthDay News) — A good night’s sleep does much more than help you stay awake through a long day. It actually helps protect your health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists these problems that can arise as a result of insufficient sleep:

• Increased risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Greater likelihood of becoming obese or overweight.
• Increased risk of developing depression.
• Added risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident because of “drowsy driving.”