Daijiworld Media Network (SR)

USA, Sep 3: The Journal of the American Heart Association, in its new findings, has revealed that the risk of cancer and early death in mid-aged adults with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and stroke caused by less sleeping hours.

The findings reveal that these adults are at a high risk of cancer and dying early if they sleep for less than six hours a day.

The researchers, including lead author Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, PhD, associate professor at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and Sleep psychologist at the Sleep Research & Treatment Center of the Penn State Health Milton S, Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, have analyzed data of more than 1,600 adults (20 to 74 years old, more than half women) from the Penn State Adult Cohort who were categorized into two groups as having stage 2 high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes and having heart disease or stroke.

"Our study suggests that achieving normal sleep may be protective for some people with these health conditions and risks," said lead author Julio Fernandez-Mendoza.

In the study, it shows out of the 512 people who passed away, one-third died of heart disease or stroke and one-fourth died due to cancer.

The study also revealed that the increased risk of early death for people with high blood pressure or diabetes was negligible if they slept for more than 6 hours.