One of the lesser known effects of sleep deprivation or insomnia is iron deficiency anemia. It is because anemia usually comes as a co-morbid condition with the more common effects such as snoring, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Recent medical studies have found that typically individuals who suffer from RLS have some form of anemia, or show a greater risk of developing the condition. Such is of great concern among health practitioners as it is estimated that 10 percent of the American population suffers from RLS.
It must be noted that lack of sleep does not lead or cause anemia. Sleep deprivation is when a person consciously or unconsciously does not gain enough quality and uninterrupted sleep for a certain period (usually six to eight hours). Anemia, on the other hand, is a condition caused by either cell destruction or the insufficient production of blood cells. There are many forms of anemia, the most common being related to iron deficiency.
Various factors influence the production of iron, but a large part is how often and how well a person sleeps. If or when a person is deprived of sleep, the body will not regenerate itself properly. Iron production is affected and may worsen a person’s anemic condition. Also, as mentioned earlier, other effects of insomnia, such as RLS, increases the chance of developing anemia.
It is a frustrating cycle. Those who lack sleep do not produce enough iron to combat everyday stresses. Iron deficiency – with or without anemia – can impact sleep. Medical data has found that dopamine and serotonin play a role in a person’s sleep and wake activities. Iron is essential to the brain’s dopamine system.
Individuals who do suffer from any form of sleep deprivation should immediately consult with their local doctor.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a respected specialist in internal medicine. Part of her practice includes sleep disorders and their associated conditions. Learn more by liking this Facebook page.
It must be noted that lack of sleep does not lead or cause anemia. Sleep deprivation is when a person consciously or unconsciously does not gain enough quality and uninterrupted sleep for a certain period (usually six to eight hours). Anemia, on the other hand, is a condition caused by either cell destruction or the insufficient production of blood cells. There are many forms of anemia, the most common being related to iron deficiency.
Image source: livescience.com
Various factors influence the production of iron, but a large part is how often and how well a person sleeps. If or when a person is deprived of sleep, the body will not regenerate itself properly. Iron production is affected and may worsen a person’s anemic condition. Also, as mentioned earlier, other effects of insomnia, such as RLS, increases the chance of developing anemia.
It is a frustrating cycle. Those who lack sleep do not produce enough iron to combat everyday stresses. Iron deficiency – with or without anemia – can impact sleep. Medical data has found that dopamine and serotonin play a role in a person’s sleep and wake activities. Iron is essential to the brain’s dopamine system.
Image source: bcusuccessguide.co.uk
Individuals who do suffer from any form of sleep deprivation should immediately consult with their local doctor.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a respected specialist in internal medicine. Part of her practice includes sleep disorders and their associated conditions. Learn more by liking this Facebook page.
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