Experts warn that "lack of sleep" can have a surprising impact on health, leading to a condition described as a "silent killer." They explain that failing to get sufficient sleep (less than seven hours per night) can increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which, if not treated promptly, can cause serious health complications. The liver, the largest internal organ in the human body, primarily functions to neutralize toxins generated within the body. It also plays a crucial role in immunity, digestion, and storing vitamins. However, the accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, altering the function of this organ.
The main cause of this disease lies in being overweight, along with metabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and obstructive sleep apnea. The disease is also known as the "silent killer" because it shows no obvious symptoms. Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are known types of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).