Stockholm, Sweden – A recent study conducted by psychologists in Sweden revealed that just two nights of poor sleep can make individuals feel significantly older than their actual age. The research highlighted the importance of consistent and restful sleep in maintaining a youthful perception of age.
Dr. Leonie Balter, a psychoneuroimmunologist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, emphasized the impact of sleep on one’s subjective age, noting that even short-term sleep deprivation can lead to feeling older. The study found that when participants were limited to only four hours of sleep for two consecutive nights, they reported feeling over four years older on average.
Conversely, when allowed to sleep for nine hours a night, participants felt approximately three months younger than their true age after ample rest. Dr. Balter stressed the significance of protecting one’s sleep to maintain a sense of youthfulness.
The perception of being older not only impacts how individuals feel but can also affect their health behaviors. Feeling older may lead to unhealthy eating habits, reduced physical activity, and decreased social engagement, according to Dr. Balter. The study conducted by researchers included surveys where participants reported feeling significantly older on days following poor sleep compared to nights with restful sleep.
Furthermore, differences were observed in individuals’ responses to sleep deprivation based on whether they were morning or evening types. Evening types tended to feel older than their actual age even with adequate sleep, while morning types were more affected by disrupted sleep in feeling older.
In a separate long-term study involving over 4,000 Europeans, researchers found a correlation between regular exercise and improved sleep quality. Consistent physical activity was associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing insomnia and a higher chance of achieving the recommended amount of sleep per night.
The findings from these studies underscore the importance of prioritizing sleep and physical activity for overall health and well-being. As researchers continue to explore the impact of sleep on subjective age and health outcomes, the significance of maintaining good sleep habits becomes increasingly evident.