THE SCOOP: Less Sleep Can Lead to Poor Health

Sleep is good food!

A good night’s sleep can have a positive effect on your health!

No doubt about it - sleep is good food!

Did you know that poor sleep patterns can be associated with an increased risk of at minimum two chronic illnesses? According to new research, you had better get those zzz’s!

the effects of sleep duration on health

A Whitehall II Cohort study was conducted evaluating the effects of sleep duration on health in over 7,000 women and men at the ages of 50,60, and 70.

The connection between the time that each subject slept and mortality (as well as whether they’d been diagnosed with two or more chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease) was examined over the course of 25 years.

Individuals that reported five or fewer hours of sleep at the age of 50 were 20% more likely to have been diagnosed with a chronic illness and 40% more likely to be diagnosed with two or more chronic illnesses in 25 years, compared to individuals who got up to seven hours of sleep.

In addition, in those who slept five or fewer hours when aged 50, 60, or 70, a 30-40% increased risk of multi-morbidity was observed in comparison to those who got up to seven hours of sleep per night.

less sleep linked to high mortality rates

A sleep duration of five hours or less at age 50 was linked with a 25% higher risk of mortality over the 25 years of follow-up. It appears that a short sleep duration raises the risk of chronic illness(es) which in turn results in an increased risk of death.

The lead author of the study commented, “Multi-morbidity is on the rise in high-income countries and more than half of older adults now have at least two chronic diseases. This is proving to be a major challenge for public health, as multi-morbidity is associated with high healthcare service use, hospitalizations, and disability.”

tips for a good night’s sleep

This study indicates that short sleep duration is linked with multi-morbidity. YOu can fight this through good sleep hygiene - including a quiet, dark bedroom and a comfortable temperature for sleep.

Avoid big meals before bed and get rid of electronic devices in the bedroom.

Regular physical activity and light exposure during the day also support good sleep.

Content provided by foodandhealth.com

Study Recap written by Lisa Andrews, MEd. RD, LD