![]() ![]() The long-term impact of this can be huge, as increased movement dramatically increases the number of new brain cells created over time.Įxperts have documented the link between both high and low glucose levels in the brain and the onset of dementia. This increased blood flow to the brain has repeatedly been shown in studies such as this one https: //to improve concentration, productivity and engagement. Prolonged periods of sitting mean that few of our muscles are active, this slows blood flow and noticeably reduces the release of productivity and mood-enhancing chemicals such as endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine to the brain. The effects on the brain are also significant. It is not just the body that will deteriorate as a result of long seated periods. Those spending long hours seated can find their bones becoming softer, and may find that osteoporosis develops as a result. This can lead to a variety of issues from swollen ankles and varicose veins to potentially fatal blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).īones are strengthened through weight-bearing activities such as walking and running. The Poor circulation of blood around the body can cause fluid to pool in the legs. All of these can lead to a number of postural issues and easily become very painful. Glute muscles can become limp due to underuse. Hip flexors can become very tight because they are rarely extended. Abdominal muscles go unused when the body is slumped into a chair, causing them to go mushy. Although the reason is, as yet unclear, the evidence shows a clear correlation between sedentary sitting and these types of cancers.Īs you might expect, long periods sat down and not using many of the body’s larger muscles can cause muscular issues. Investigating the links between sitting and disease through studiesĪ series of studies have shown pronolnged periods of sitting to be a risk factor in the development of colon, breast and endometrial cancers. Sedentary individuals are around twice as likely to develop heart disease as their moving counterparts. Extended seated periods have also been linked to high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. A lack of movement means that muscles burn less fat and blood flows more slowly through the body, allowing fatty acids to more easily cause blockages in the heart. Those who sit for long periods have a greater risk of developing heart disease. There is also a substantial risk posed to the internal organs through this kind of sitting. The contraction of the psoas muscles created by extended sitting can also lead to herniated lumbar disks. A lack of regular movement can lead to an inflexibility of the spine, where disks are squashed unevenly and collagen begins to harden around tendons and ligaments. Movement allows the soft disks between vertebrae to expand and contract and soak in fresh blood and nutrients like sponges. Inactivity leads to chronic health problems Many also experience soreness in the shoulders and back due to the over extension of shoulder and back muscles, and the overworking of spinal ligaments. The all-too-common spinal curve perpetuated by sitting in front of a screen for hours can lead to an unnatural head position and hence a strained neck. It takes the average person only three minutes of sitting before they fall into a slumped posture. The vast majority of those who find themselves sitting for long periods of time will do so with less than perfect posture. It is no wonder, then, that those who move more regularly are significantly less susceptible to obesity than those who don’t. ![]() Sitting down has been found to burn 21% fewer calories than standing up. A lack of movement can slow down the metabolism and diminish the ability of muscles to break down fats. One of the more obvious effects of sedentary sitting is that of weight gain. ![]()
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