In adults, loneliness is a major precipitant of depression and alcoholism. And it increasingly appears to be the cause of a range of medical problems, some of which take decades to show up.

Here are five major ways loneliness can affect your health

1. Heart Disease: Middle-aged adults who live alone have a 24% increased risk of dying of heart disease, according to a 2012 Harvard study. “Research has consistently shown lonely people have a higher risk of heart disease.

2. Depression: When you are lonely, your brain hormones associated with stress such as cortisol become active, which can cause depression

3. Physical and mental problems: People who are lonely have more physical and mental health problems than those who feel connected to others

4. Less sleep: Lonely people are light sleepers, tend to toss and turn more, and feel more tired in the mornings — which of course, can be hazardous to psychological and physical wellbeing.

5. Blood pressure: Loneliness raises levels of circulating stress hormones and levels of blood pressure. It undermines regulation of the circulatory system so that the heart muscle works harder and the blood vessels are subject to damage by blood flow turbulence.

OP, what would single Guys like us do