This new study, led by UCL researchers, indicates that getting less than five hours of sleep in mid-to-late life may increase the risk of developing at least two chronic diseases. Research published in PLOS Medicine analyzed the impact of sleep duration on the health of more than 7,000 men and women aged 50, 60 and 70 from the Whitehall II cohort study.
Researchers examined the relationship between how long each participant slept, mortality, and whether they had two or more chronic diseases (multimorbidity) – such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes – over the course of 25 years. Those who reported getting five hours of sleep or less than age 50 were 20% more likely to be diagnosed with a chronic disease and 40% more likely than those who slept two or more at 25 years There was a possibility of diagnosis of chronic diseases. for seven hours.
Additionally, sleep for five hours or less at ages 50, 60, and 70 was associated with an increased risk of multiple-morbidity by 30% to 40% compared with those who slept for seven hours.
The researchers also found that sleep duration of five hours or less at age 50 was associated with a 25% increased risk of mortality at age 25 – which can be explained primarily by the fact that less sleep is needed. Duration increases the risk of chronic disease(s) which in turn increases the risk of death.
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Lead author, Dr. Severin Sabia (UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health, and Inserm, Universit Paris site), said, “Multiuria is on the rise in high-income countries and more than half of adults now have at least two chronic diseases. is proving to be a major challenge to public health, as multiple morbidities are associated with higher healthcare access, hospitalization and disability.”
As people get older, their sleep habits and sleep structure change. However, sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended – as sleeping periods above or below this have previously been associated with individual chronic diseases.
To ensure a better night’s sleep, it’s important to promote good sleep hygiene, such as making sure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature before bedtime. It is also advised to remove electronic devices and avoid large meals before bedtime. Physical activity and exposure to light during the day can also promote good sleep.
“As part of the study, the researchers also assessed whether sleep duration, for nine hours or more, affected health outcomes. Longer sleep duration at age 50 and polyuria in healthy people There was no clear relationship between
However, if a participant had already been diagnosed with a chronic condition, longer sleep duration was associated with an approximately 35% increased risk of developing another disease. Researchers believe this may be due to underlying health conditions affecting sleep.
Joe Whitmore, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said, “Getting enough sleep helps your body rest. There are many other ways that poor sleep can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke, including increased inflammation and increased blood pressure. This research adds to a growing body of research that highlights the importance of getting a good night’s sleep.”
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The research was funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the NIH, the UK Medical Research Council, the British Heart Foundation and Wellcome. Limitations of the study The researchers used self-reported data on sleep, which is likely to be subject to reporting bias, although using data from 4,000 participants whose sleep was measured via an electronic device, the findings were similar. confirms.
Meanwhile, data on sleep quality was only available for people between the ages of 60 and 70. The Whitehall II study only included members of the civil service, who were all employed when recruited into the study and were more likely to be healthier than the general population.