5 things you may not know and may harm you

Nearly everyone feels lonely at some point. The good news is, for many of us, it’s a temporary condition, perhaps one caused by a life change: moving to a new location, for instance, or starting a new job.

But for other people, loneliness is a way of life, one that may stem not from the number of people around them but from a lack of connection with others. And, research has showed, chronic loneliness can have adverse consequences for your health.

Scientists are still examining the link between mental and physical health and how loneliness affects our bodies. But you may not know about some of their findings over the years.

1. It may affect your brain in a way similar to physical pain

2. It can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep

3. It can increase your risk for dementia

4. It may contribute to premature death

5. It may break your heart (literally)

cnn