A new study led by scientists at University College London (UCL) found that getting less than 5 hours of sleep in middle and late years may be associated with an increased risk of at least two chronic diseases. This study analyzed the effects of sleep duration on the health of more than 7,000 men and women aged 50, 60 and 70 years from the Whitehall II cohort study . The study was published in PLOS Medicine on October 18.
Scientists investigated the relationship between sleep time and their mortality rate for each participant and whether they were diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases (most common diseases) - such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes . This was done in 25 years.
People who reported sleeping for 5 hours or less at age 50 are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with chronic diseases and 40% more likely to be diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases within 25 years compared to those who sleep up to 7 hours.
In addition, people who sleep for 5 hours or less at age 50, 60 and 70 years old are associated with a 30% to 40% higher risk of more common disease than those who sleep up to 7 hours.
According to the study results, sleeping time at age 50 was associated with a 25% increase in death risk during 25 years of follow-up. This can be mainly explained that short sleep time increases the risk of chronic diseases, which in turn increases the risk of death.
Main Author Severine "In high-income countries, the incidence of multiple morbidities is rising, and more than half of the elderly now have at least two chronic diseases. This proves to be a major challenge to public health, as multiple morbidities are associated with high health care use, hospitalization and disability," said Dr. Sabia (UCL Institute for Epidemiology and Health, as well as the City University of Paris Inserm). "H, it is recommended to sleep 7 to 8 hours a night - because sleep time above or below this time was previously associated with individual chronic diseases."
"Our results show that short sleep time is also associated with multiple conditions."
" To ensure better sleep, it is important to promote good sleep hygiene, such as ensuring a quiet, dark and comfortable temperature in the bedroom before going to bed. It is also recommended to remove electronic devices and avoid having large meals before bed. Daytime physical activity and exposure to light may also promote good sleep."
As part of the study, the researchers also evaluate whether prolonged sleep (9 hours or more) affects health outcomes. There is no clear connection between long sleep time at the age of 50 and the frequent incidence of healthy people.
However, if participants have been diagnosed with a chronic disease, long sleep time is associated with an increase in the risk of developing another disease by about 35%. Researchers believe this may be due to potential health conditions that affect sleep. "Getting enough sleep can give your body a rest. There are many other ways to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke, including by increasing inflammation and increasing blood pressure," said Jo Whitmore, senior heart nurse at the British Heart Foundation. "This study adds more and more studies, highlighting the importance of getting a good sleep." Limitations of the
study by researchers using self-reported sleep data, which is likely affected by reporting bias. However, the study results were confirmed by using data from 4,000 participants whose sleep was measured by electronic devices.
At the same time, only people aged 60 and 70 have data on sleep quality.
Whitehall II study only involves members of the civil service, who are all employed when recruited for the study and may be healthier than the average person.
