Perusing the news I discovered CNN’s article, “Loneliness: 5 things you may not know” from November 26, 2014. It made me think of those whom I know living alone or are lonely so I gave them a call. Support the lonely people in your life and save them pain, sleep, dementia, premature death, and even heart disease or cancer.

1 – “It may affect your brain in a way similar to physical pain” – Naomi Eisenberger from UCLA states feelings of loneliness register in the same area as physical pain.

2 – “It can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep” – A rural South Dakota community study discovered nighttime disruptions were higher for those feeling lonely whether the respondent had family & friends close by or not.

3 – “It can increase your risk for dementia” – Researchers in Amsterdam reported “feeling lonely raised the risk of dementia by 64%” though causation is not determined.

4 – “It may contribute to premature death” – Death rates increase incredibly if you are 60+ years old whether you live alone or not, simply being lonely is enough and if you 45+ years old and have heart disease or at high risk for it the numbers are similar.

5 – “It may break your heart (literally)” – Long-term loneliness can cause inflammation response which can “lead to heart disease and cancer.”

View the entire article at: http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/health/lonely-research/index.html?hpt=hp_bn11. Image from: www.loverofsadness.net & www.bbc.com.