Good sleep slows down the aging process

New research finds that a regular, quality sleep schedule can slow down biological aging.

The study, published in the journal Sleep Health, found that people who didn’t sleep on a consistent schedule had a higher biological age (the rate at which their cells age) than those who slept regularly. While biological age tests are controversial, experts say they’re still the best indicator of the damage that’s happening to your body over time.

In the study, scientists at Augusta University looked at the sleep habits of more than 6,000 volunteers, which took place between 2011 and 2014. The volunteers, whose average age was 50, wore sleep trackers for four to seven days, recording the duration and frequency of their sleep. They also had to answer lifestyle questionnaires.

To determine the biological age of the participants, scientists analyzed blood samples, which revealed health indicators such as cholesterol levels, diabetes and kidney disease.

The study found that 65% of volunteers slept between 7 and 9 hours per night, 16% slept less than 7 hours, and 19% slept more than 9 hours. Volunteers also had a habit of sleeping about 78 minutes more on weekends, with a difference of only about 60 minutes in bedtime each night.

Good sleep can help increase longevity. Photo: Freepik

Scientists discovered that people who sleep randomly have a biological age 9 months older than those who sleep regularly. That is, the cells of this group age 9 months earlier.

"We found that irregular sleep patterns, sleep compensation, irregular sleep patterns, and jet lag can accelerate biological aging, as measured by three algorithms based on clinical signs," the study authors wrote.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic sleep deprivation can affect heart health, stress hormones, and increase blood pressure. It also negatively impacts cognition and mental health.

The authors note a correlation between sleep patterns and living a long, healthy life.

"Sleep habits are modifiable. Our findings suggest that adjusting daily sleep schedules is an effective method to extend life expectancy and healthy years," the study stated.

Thuc Linh (According to NY Post )

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