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New Delhi .Living alone or away from social contact is often considered a normal part of lifestyle, but prolonged loneliness can create serious health risks. According to experts, the effect of lack of social connection is not limited only to mental condition, but can also affect many important body systems.

In recent years, health studies on loneliness have linked it to physical and mental health. Chronic social isolation can increase stress and cause biological changes in the body that can have adverse health effects in the long run. However, direct comparisons of loneliness as being more lethal than alcohol or smoking need to be interpreted with caution, as the comparison of individual health risks may change depending on the circumstances and the study.

Prolonged loneliness can affect stress hormones and inflammatory processes in the body. In case of continuous stress, there is a possibility of increase in blood pressure. Such factors have been linked to increased risks such as heart disease and stroke. For people who already have heart problems, chronic stress and social isolation can further affect the condition.

Loneliness can also affect the body's immune system. Due to prolonged stress, there is a possibility that the body's normal immune response may be affected. This may affect susceptibility to infection and the recovery process from the disease. However, its effect is not the same in every person and many factors like health, age and lifestyle play a role in it.

On a mental health level, loneliness has been found to be associated with anxiety and depression. When a person does not have enough opportunities to share their feelings, talk, or get social support, it can be difficult to deal with stress. If such a situation persists for a long time, problems like sadness, anxiety, despair and distance from social activities can increase.

Social isolation can also affect sleep. Sleep patterns can be affected due to increased feelings of anxiety and insecurity during loneliness. Not getting adequate and quality sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability and concentration problems throughout the day.

The relationship between loneliness and cognitive health as we age has also been researched. Long-term lack of social interaction has been linked to decline in cognitive ability and increased risk of dementia. However, this does not mean that loneliness alone causes dementia. Age, physical health, mental health and other lifestyle factors are also important.

Health experts recommend making social engagement a part of everyday lifestyle. Talking to family and friends, participating in community activities, regular physical activity, and consulting a mental health professional if needed can be helpful. If loneliness is persistent and is affecting sleep, functioning, or mood, it is better to seek help rather than ignore it.