Lack of sleep may have a hidden effect on the brain and longevity, research reveals
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Not getting enough sleep could take years off your life.
New research from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), published in the journal Sleep Advances, found that poor sleep can shorten life expectancy more than other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and loneliness.
Researchers analyzed data from the CDC’s nationwide survey, identifying trends associated with average life expectancy by county, according to a news release.
NEW HEALTH WARNING ISSUED ABOUT THE POPULAR SLEEP AID THAT MILLIONS TAKE EVERY NIGHT
The study found that lack of adequate sleep led to an increased risk of mortality in all US states and was the leading driver of behavior compared to other factors, behind only smoking.
The study’s senior author, Andrew McHill, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Sleep, Chronobiology and Health Laboratory at the OHSU School of Nursing, said in a statement that he did not expect sleep to be “so strongly correlated” with life expectancy.
Poor sleep directly correlates with a shorter life expectancy, the study reveals. (iStock)
“We’ve always thought that sleep is important, but this research really drives that point home: People should really strive to get seven to nine hours of sleep, if possible,” he said.
“This research shows that we should prioritize sleep at least as much as we do [in] what we eat or how we exercise.
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In a previous interview with News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and owner of Amen Clinics in California, emphasized how important sleep is for brain function and longevity.
Researchers suggest that people should prioritize sleep as much as diet and exercise. (iStock)
“Sleep is very important,” he said. “When you sleep, your brain is cleaned and washed. And if you don’t get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, your brain looks older than you: there is less blood flow and inflammation in the brain increases.”
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“Your brain doesn’t have enough time to get rid of the toxins that build up during the day.”
Lack of adequate sleep can lead to poor decisions and encourage toxic cycles, the doctor warned.
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“If your brain has less activity in the front, you’re not only tired, you’re also hungrier and more likely to not make the best decisions,” he said.
“Which, of course, will stress you out and you won’t sleep well the next night.”
One doctor suggests having “determination” when you go to bed and wake up each day. (iStock)
One small change to promote longevity and brain health is to try going to bed 15 minutes earlier, Amen suggested.
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“Be really determined not to get distracted by Netflix or your phone,” he said.
“And when you wake up in the morning, tell yourself, ‘Today is going to be a great day.’ The more positive you are, the better your brain will be.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.