Earthquakes a cause of insomnia, heart problems for Groningen residents

Groningen residents who suffered earthquake damage to their property several times, have more health problems that those who suffered no damage, according to a study done by the University of Groningen, ANP reports.

The study was commissioned by the National Coordinator of Groningen.

People who suffered earthquake damage several times mainly suffer from insomnia, irritability and concentration problems. They also often have abdominal or stomach problems, joint pain, headaches and heart palpitations.

This group is also 1.5 times more likely to suffer from negative feelings like depression or lack of control. They also feel "significantly" less safe.

Remarkably, the researchers found that there is no difference in health problems between the group that suffered no damage and the group that suffered damage only once. The researchers also found that gas extraction - the cause of the earthquakes - in itself has no impact on overall health.