Reaction Article #12: Lack of Sleep Linked to Heart Problems

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 12/26/2008
From: Time

My Reactions:
According to Alice Park in “Lack of Sleep Linked to Heart Problems,” she highlights the strong connection between few sleep and heart problems. The research of the University of Chicago recently has showed that one hour less on average each night can increase coronary calcium by sixteen percent. In other words, the fewer hours people sleep at night, the more calcium contains in the heart arteries. Vessels will become crisp and breakable. As a result, it may trigger serious problems such as heart attack or stroke when these deposits rupture and block vessels in the heart or brain. It can even cause atherosclerosis and death.

There are more and more modern people who don’t get enough sleep because of many changes of their life style. White-collar workers are busy at their business while students are busy with their academic performances. Therefore, many new diseases of civilization have showed up since the development of technology and science. Some people used to think that going to bed behind schedule has little influence on their health; they will only get dark circles under their eyes after staying up late. However, it has great effect on our bodies and inner system. Not only will people feel tired but they will be the high risk group of heart attack, high cholesterol, and hypertension, etc.

In my opinion, the new discovery is very important to me. It warns me of stopping burning the midnight oil from now on. I am surprised as well as afraid after reading the news. I should finish my homework and study it earlier. If I can distribute my time much more properly, I will not become the high risk group of heart and liver illnesses. In conclusion, we should get enough sleep in order to be healthy and energetic. (298 words)