In addition to having adverse effects on one’s mental and emotional health, loneliness can have a serious negative impact on a person’s physical health. Like other experiences that create stress, loneliness can actually make you sick.
The consequences of loneliness can manifest differently for different people, but some of the most common include:
An increased risk for diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Disruptions to one’s sleep, including insomnia or hypersomnia, which can lead to further health issues.
An increased risk of stroke.
An increase in stress, which is known to have many negative health effects.
Altered metabolism, leading to fluctuations in appetite, weight, and energy levels.