Breaking News: Optimal Sleep Time Varies by Culture, Say Experts
Gib deinem Körper die Schlafzeit, die er wirklich braucht. Eine neue Studie verbraucht die bisherigen Vorstellungen von optimalem Schlaf und zeigt, wie kulturelle Normen eine Rolle spielen.
The Study: Sleep Time Varies by Country
For decades, the widely accepted wisdom has been that eight hours of sleep is optimal for relaxation and recharging batteries. However, a new study by the University of Victoria challenges this notion, revealing that sleep duration varies significantly based on cultural context.
Researchers analyzed sleep data from over 5,000 individuals across 20 different countries. The lead author, Christine OU, reported that “people who slept closer to the cultural norm tended to have better health.”
The study found fascinating disparities in average sleep duration. For example, people in Japan average about six hours and 18 minutes of sleep each night. In contrast, those in France sleep an average of seven hours and 52 minutes. Canadians averaged seven hours and 27 minutes, while Germans were found to sleep for approximately seven hours and 43 minutes.
Cultural Impact on Sleep Recommendations
OU and colleagues previously examined data from 14 studies across 71 countries. Their findings indicate that average sleep duration vastly differs from country to country, suggesting that future health recommendations should consider cultural standards.
The study concludes that the “ideal” sleep time is actually the duration that aligns with what is considered culturally appropriate in each context.
Health Impact of Less Sleep
Curiously, the researchers also found no evident link between sleeping less and poorer health. This suggests that sleep recommendations should be tailored according to cultural norms rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Despite the general advice of getting eight hours of sleep, our results indicate that sleep recommendations need to be adjusted based on cultural standards,” says Steven Heine, a professor of social and cultural psychology at the University of British Columbia.
Evergreen Sleep Tips for Better Health
While cultural context may offer insights into sleep durations, universally effective sleep hygiene practices remain essential. Here are some tips to enhance your sleep:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
- Create a restful environment conducive to sleep, with a comfortable temperature and minimal noise.
- Use your bed only for sleep and intimacy to strengthen the mental association.
- Avoid screens (TV, phone, computer) before bedtime, as the blue light can interfere with your circadian rhythm.
- Engage in relaxing activities before sleep, such as reading or light stretching.
