According to a recent Ifop poll, seven out of 10 French people suffer from sleep disorders in the evening, a figure that has never been so high (in 2017, only 49% of them were affected). A drastic increase – partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic – which is not without impact on the health of the population.
Indeed, according to a study by researchers at Harvard University, the results of which will be presented at the annual scientific session of theAmerican College of Cardiology from March 4 to 6, 2022, 8% of all deaths could be linked to poor sleep habits. If it is known that too short (or too long) periods of sleep have an impact on health, the quality of sleep is also essential.
To reap the full benefits of sleep – essential downtime for brain function – researchers have detailed the five factors that lead to good quality sleep, which could add up to five years of life if followed. , either :
- Have seven to eight hours of sleep per night;
- Do not have difficulty falling asleep more than twice a week;
- Have no difficulty staying asleep more than twice a week;
- Do not use sleeping pills;
- Waking up feeling well rested at least five days a week.
Data from 171,321 people with an average age of 50 were analyzed, and participants were given a score of 0 to 5 based on whether or not they met the criteria (5 being the best quality sleep). “We found a clear dose-response relationship, so the more beneficial factors a person has in terms of sleep quality, the more they benefit from a progressive reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.”said the study’s lead author, Dr. Frank Qian.
19% lower risk of death from cancer
Indeed, participants who met all five factors were 30% less likely to die of any reason compared to those who do not or only slightly meet these criteria. Good quality sleep also limited the risk of death by 21% and of cancer by 19%. Finally, good sleepers saw their risk of dying from causes other than heart disease or cancer by 40%, either from accidents, infections or neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease, details the author. major.
“I think these results underscore that getting enough hours of sleep is not enough. You really have to have a restful sleep and not have too much trouble falling asleep and staying asleep”adds the principal researcher.
And the earlier these good habits are taken in life, the better they ensure good long-term health. “Even from an early age, if people can develop these good sleep habits of getting enough sleep, making sure they sleep without too many distractions, and having good sleep hygiene overall, that can go a long way. benefit their long-term overall health”concludes the researcher.
Read also Despite long nights of sleep, do you (often) have trouble waking up? here’s why
Source :
- Good quality sleep can add years to people’s lives, study suggests, The GuardianFebruary 23, 2023
