by Feeling youthful and energized isn’t just about appearances—it’s deeply connected to our overall well-being and health. A recent study conducted by researchers at Stockholm University indicates that the quality and quantity of sleep can have a significant impact on how old we feel.
Published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the study explored the relationship between sleep and subjective age among 429 individuals aged 18 to 70. The participants were asked to assess how old they felt, their sleep patterns over the past month, and their feelings of sleepiness. The results revealed a direct correlation between inadequate sleep and feeling older, with each night of insufficient sleep contributing to an average increase of 0.23 years in subjective age.
To further investigate the impact of sleep on subjective age, the researchers conducted an experimental study involving 186 participants aged 18 to 46. During the study, participants underwent two different scenarios: two nights of restricted sleep (only four hours in bed each night) and two nights of sufficient sleep (nine hours in bed each night). The results were telling—the participants reported feeling an average of 4.4 years older after experiencing sleep restriction compared to when they had enough rest. The level of sleepiness also played a significant role, with extreme alertness correlating to feeling younger and extreme sleepiness resulting in feeling significantly older.
Lead researcher Leonie Balter emphasized the importance of prioritizing quality sleep for maintaining a youthful outlook on life. “Safeguarding our sleep is crucial for preserving a sense of youthfulness, which can in turn drive us towards leading more active and healthier lifestyles,” Balter explained. Feeling alert and youthful is not only linked to motivation but also influences our daily behaviors and choices.
The findings of this study shed light on the profound impact that sleep can have on our perception of age and overall well-being. By prioritizing restful sleep and establishing healthy sleep habits, individuals can potentially slow down the aging process and enjoy a more vibrant and youthful quality of life. So, the next time you’re tempted to sacrifice sleep for other commitments, remember that quality rest is the key to feeling and staying young.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
