A New Study Reveals How Much Sleep You Need for Successful Aging

We all know how important sleep is for our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, in a world where being busy and juggling a lot of things at once are more prioritized than ever, sleep has become a luxury. Many people do not get enough sleep (with some even bragging about it), without realizing that it can age them rapidly. 

Now, a recent study revealed that consistently getting more than seven hours of sleep increased the odds of successful aging. This study, published in the BMC Public Health Journal, involved more than 3,300 participants with their patterns monitored in 2011, 2013, and 2015, followed by a health check five years later. It recorded variations in their sleep routines and consistency.

The study and successful aging

Scholars from Wenzhou Medical University in China analyzed the collected data. Researchers have discovered that people who get at least seven hours of sleep have better health later in life. It also revealed that as we age, inconsistencies in sleep patterns were linked to decreased odds of successful aging. 

Successful aging was defined in the study as:

• Being free of major chronic diseases
• No physical impairments
• High cognitive function
• Good mental health
• Active engagement with life

The study’s five sleep groups

Across the years, the participants were categorized into five groups based on their sleeping patterns. These include: 

• Long stable – 8 to 9 hours regularly
• Normal stable – 7 to 8 hours regularly
• Short stable – 5 to 6 hours regularly
• Decreasing – an average of more than 8 to fewer than 6
• Increasing – an average of fewer than 6 to over 8

The findings

At the end of the study period, only 13.8% (455 individuals) met the definition of successful aging. About two thirds of those participants (307) were consistently investing more than seven hours of sleep each night.

When it comes to the odds of successful aging, they were significantly higher among those in the normal stable group at 18.1%, followed by long stable at 17.1%. The odds were lower in the remaining groups: increasing at 10.6%, decreasing at 9.9%, and short stable at 8.8%.

According to the study, “relative to participants with the normal stable sleep duration trajectory, individuals with the low stable and increasing trajectory had 36% and 52% lower odds of successful aging.”

The study authors also noted that “these findings underscore that chronic sleep deprivation, as well as the patterns of increasing and decreasing sleep duration, are not mere age-related changes; rather, they emerge as pivotal indicators of obstacles in the pursuit of successful aging.”

How can Cutis help with aging

We at Cutis always advocate for maintaining sufficient and quality sleep. While we know that there are products and treatments that can improve or treat visible signs of aging, we also understand that there is no substitute for a good night’s sleep. This is why if you struggle with sleep issues, we recommend seeing a healthcare provider.

And as you try to get your sleep back on track, we can help you build a consistent skincare routine, as well as address skincare issues brought on by bad habits. We, of course, encourage you to engage in a healthy lifestyle, which includes staying active, eating a balanced diet,  limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. 

If you want to learn more about how we can help you with your skin, contact us at +65 6801 4000. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore. 

Source: 

https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-20524-7