Sleep too much at night can harm your heart. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing various health issues. Lack of sleep, often attributed to frequent late-night activities, can pose several risks, including potential liver damage.
The Importance of Sleep
Dr. Reisa Broto Asmoro emphasizes that sleep is a fundamental human need. On average, individuals require seven to eight hours of sleep every night to maintain their health and prevent illness. When we disrupt our natural sleep patterns, it can impact our body’s metabolic functions.
Disrupting Organ Functions
Dr. Reisa points out that late-night habits can disturb the normal functioning of our organs. This is because various organs, such as the liver, typically rest during the nighttime hours to rejuvenate and reset.
The Role of the Liver
Sleep disturbances can affect the liver’s ability to perform its vital functions, including detoxification. When the liver can’t detoxify the body properly, it can lead to the accumulation of toxins, which, over time, can result in liver problems.
Liver Health Risks
Several studies have linked sleep deprivation and late-night habits to increased risks of liver damage. This includes conditions like hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and even liver cancer.
The Importance of Deep Sleep
To maintain optimal health, Dr. Reisa emphasizes the significance of getting enough sleep, particularly deep sleep. She recommends at least two to three cycles of deep sleep during a full night’s rest.
Understanding Hepatitis in Indonesia
Dr. Ratna Budi Hapsari, Chair of the Hepatitis and Gastrointestinal Infections Task Force at the Directorate of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, weighed in on the subject. She mentioned that the 2013 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) survey found that 7.1% of the Indonesian population was infected with hepatitis B, and about 1% with hepatitis C. What’s concerning is that 80-90% of individuals with hepatitis infections are unaware of their condition, leading to a lack of medical attention.
Preventive Measures
To address this issue, the Ministry of Health has initiated a series of preventive efforts, such as the Promotion of Clean and Healthy Living (PHBS) practices. They have also introduced hepatitis immunization programs, household-level prevention measures, and blood screening to ensure the safety of transfused blood.
Through these initiatives, Dr. Ratna hopes to reduce the prevalence of hepatitis and liver diseases in Indonesia and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adequate sleep to protect one’s liver and overall health.