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According to Vancouver Coastal Health, 40% of Canadians will suffer from a sleep disorder during their lifetime. (AP Photo / Richard Drew)
World Day of Sleep: UBC team examines the link between sleep and sickness
Vancouver Coastal Health states that 40% of Canadians will suffer from a sleep disorder during their lifetime
Do you still feel the effects of summer time? You might want Friday to be World Day of Sleep.
Vancouver Coastal Health raises awareness of the importance of sleep for good health.
Forty percent of Canadians will suffer from a sleep disorder during their lifetime. Shift work, the use of electronics, noise, light and bedding are just a few examples of items that can affect sleep.
Researchers at UBC Hospital are studying the link between sleep and health problems. They are participating in a cross-Canada study that will examine whether genetic markers, protein markers, and other blood derivatives can predict cardiovascular, cognitive, and metabolic disorders in people with obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles block the airways during sleep. Symptoms include snoring, choking during sleep and sleep during the day.
Nearly 10% of Canadians work in shifts and are more likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
"Sleep research shows that patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at high risk of developing medical conditions, including dementia and cardiovascular disease," said lead researcher Dr. Najib Ayas. "We hope this study will help us better identify patients … who are at greatest risk for serious complications."
More than 1,300 patients are participating in the study to date, including 400 in Vancouver.
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