A recent study suggests that getting good sleep could add years to your life as people who slept well had a lower risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
The study looked at data from over 172,321 people (average age 50 and 54% women) in the United Kingdom, who participated in the National Health Interview Survey between 2013 and 2018. It suggests that about 8% of deaths from any cause could be due to poor sleep patterns.
They assessed five factors of quality sleep using a low-risk sleep score they created based on answers collected from the study.
The five low-risk sleep habits are:
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- Having no more than two nights per week
- Having no more than two nights per week where you wake up more than once during the night
- Not using sleep medication
- Feeling well-rested after waking up at least five days per week
The study also found that men who had all five low-risk sleep habits had a 4.7-year longer life expectancy than men who did not have these habits. Women who had all five low-risk sleep habits had a 2.4-year longer life expectancy than women who did not have these habits.
The researchers say that the findings suggest that good sleep is not just important for your overall health, but it may also help you live longer. They say that more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms by which good sleep can improve longevity, but they believe that it may be due to a number of factors, including reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and better cognitive function.
Sleep habits
If you are looking to improve your sleep habits, there are a few things you can do:
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
- Get regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime.
- See a doctor if you have any sleep problems.
The researchers say that even small changes to your sleep habits can make a big difference in your overall health and longevity. So, if you are looking to live a longer, healthier life, make sure you are getting enough good sleep.
