The Surprising Impact of Loneliness on Our Bodies

Loneliness in a crowd is a theme familiar to any modern city dweller. It’s often considered a natural experience that everyone encounters at some point in life. However, statistics reveal that loneliness has become a sad reality for millions of people in recent years. Europe was the first to raise the alarm, with the UK government creating a new position: Minister for Loneliness. According to the British Red Cross, over nine million English people constantly experience loneliness, a phenomenon dubbed the “hidden epidemic.”

Understanding Loneliness

Unlike other conditions, loneliness does not have clear symptoms, and scientists have yet to define its clinical picture. In research, loneliness is described as a person’s perceived discrepancy between desired and actual social connections. As noted by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of psychology and neurophysiology at Brigham Young University, some people may feel comfortable even on a deserted island, while others may suffer from alienation even when constantly surrounded by others.

To avoid confusion, let’s clarify that loneliness is considered a state where a person has no one to share their experiences or talk to, and they suffer from this lack of connection.

How Loneliness Affects the Body

American neurosociologist John Cacioppo believes that loneliness has a negative impact on health comparable to obesity. A lack of attention increases the risk of early death by 20%. Julianne Holt-Lunstad agrees that the loneliness epidemic threatens humanity as a whole:

Chronic loneliness is as dangerous as a chronic illness. It can exacerbate various health conditions and increase the risk of premature mortality.

Here are a few examples of the negative effects of loneliness on the human body:

Increased Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Loneliness literally breaks our hearts. The level of cortisol, the stress hormone, constantly increases in the body, leading to higher blood pressure and hypertension. The effect accumulates over time, so the likelihood of having a heart attack after a weekend argument is low. However, long-term feelings of rejection can provoke heart diseases.

Weakened Immune System

Lonely people are more susceptible not only to the world’s indifference but also to illnesses. A study of 83 healthy students showed that those who felt socially alienated had a poorer response to the flu vaccine. The authors of the study noted:

People with high levels of loneliness and a small social network had the lowest antibody response.

Scientists believe that stress hormones released during loneliness “communicate” with certain parts of white blood cells, affecting their distribution and function. It seems that the body, tired of longing, sets a course for self-destruction.

Insomnia

A 2002 study by the American National Institute of Health showed that lonely people have more difficulty falling asleep, sleep less, and suffer more from “daytime dysfunction” related to lack of sleep.

Regardless of the direct damage loneliness causes to the body, sleep problems do not contribute to good health. Sleep-deprived people are more likely to have reduced glucose tolerance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In general, without good regular sleep, a person becomes much more vulnerable. Scientists say:

If people are chronically lonely, the consequences of impaired sleep may reduce nighttime recovery processes and the overall resilience of lonely individuals.

How to Combat Loneliness

Now, let’s move on to the most important part: how to prevent the destructive effects of loneliness on your body and life.

Don’t try to avoid it: Don’t be afraid of this state, as in moderate doses, it can even be beneficial. One of the main signs of a mature personality is the ability to be alone without discomfort. Use this time for your inner growth.
Spend time alone every day: Even if it’s just 20 minutes a day without social media or calls to friends and family. This forced isolation will help you be prepared for possible loneliness.
Try traveling alone: In my opinion, traveling is the best time to be alone. You do only what you want, without worrying about anyone else’s comfort. Moreover, when you are alone, you are more open to new acquaintances, experiences, and adventures.
Develop your talents: Use your alone time to acquire a new skill or develop a talent. Learning under the gaze of others can be uncomfortable, and this often prevents us from singing or learning to play the guitar.

Remember, an intelligent person always enjoys spending time with themselves.