A British study shows that people who sleep few hours a night are up to 30 percent more likely to develop chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, dementia, liver disease and cancer. Older people who sleep little have up to 40 percent more risk of a chronic disease than their peers who do get a full night’s sleep.
In total, the sleep of nearly 8,000 people, the majority of whom are men, was tracked for 25 years. Every 5 years, the association between their sleep and health was looked at. No greater risk was found in people with a full night’s sleep (eight hours of sleep). That is why researchers recommend sleeping at least seven to eight hours a night.
“As people get older, their sleeping habits and sleep structure change. However, it is recommended to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night – as sleep duration above or below that has been more likely to be associated with individual chronic illnesses,” says Dr. Severine Sabia, lead author at the UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health, and Inserm, Université Paris Cité. “Our findings show that short sleep duration is also associated with multimorbidity.”
According to Sabia, for a better night’s sleep, it is important to promote good sleep hygiene, such as making sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and has a comfortable temperature before going to sleep. “It is also advised to remove electronic devices and avoid large meals before bedtime. Exercise and exposure to light during the day can also promote good sleep,” says Sabia.
ALSO READ:
Laughter makes you happier, scientists say
Does hunger really make you hangry or do you imagine it? Scientists have investigated it for the first time
Near-death experiences aren’t hallucinations, first-ever study of its kind shows
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss out on any of the stars.