While you’ve (hopefully) never experienced it first hand, you’ve likely seen television shows and movies depicting what it’s like to be in solitary confinement — completely isolated from the world with nothing to do to help pass the time. Solitary confinement is known as a punishment used in the prison system, but a recent study shows the consequences may be even greater.
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When researchers at Cornell University analyzed the Danish prison system, they found that spending time in solitary confinement can significantly increase the risk of death for inmates, after they are released. According to the study, 4.5% of former inmates who had spent time in solitary confinement were dead within five years of being released from prison — a 60% higher rate of mortality compared to former inmates who had not spent time in isolation.
Researchers found that the average stay in solitary confinement was around nine days, but about two-thirds of those involved in the study spent less than a week in insolation, and around half spent only five days. Regardless of the length of stay, researchers say the connection was clear. In general, the majority of solitary confinement inmates who passed away after their release were younger and had served longer prison sentences. Most of the deaths were caused by suicide, violence and accidents.
While most people are not locked up in a room with nothing to do and nowhere to go, many people are still living in isolation. According to the most recent statistics, loneliness is at epidemic proportions in the United States. While loneliness can certainly take a toll on your mental health, it can also affect your physical health. Studies have shown that people who are lonely are more likely to experience higher levels of perceived stress, increased inflammation, reduced immune function and poor sleep. Feeling lonely is also a strong predictor of dementia.
It truly is amazing how your mindset can influence your physical health. While overcoming loneliness is no small feat, research has proven that human beings are social creatures, meant to interact with other human beings on physical and emotional levels.
If you struggle with loneliness, you’re certainly not alone. For strategies to help address and overcome loneliness, read, “Tackling the Loneliness Epidemic.”