How Two Nights of Broken Sleep Can Make You Feel Years Older: Study Reveals Impact on Subjective Age

Sleep has a significant impact on how old we feel, according to a study conducted by psychologists in Sweden. The researchers found that just two nights of broken sleep can make individuals feel years older, while consistent and restful slumber can help stave off feeling one’s true age. The study also revealed that volunteers who were restricted to only four hours of sleep for two consecutive nights felt on average more than four years older, with some claiming to feel decades older due to sleepiness. On the other hand, individuals who were allowed to sleep for nine hours felt on average three months younger than their real age after ample rest.

Besides the perception of feeling older, the study suggests that this perception may also affect people’s health and behavior. Those who felt older due to lack of sleep tended to engage in unhealthy eating, reduce physical exercise, and avoid socializing and engaging in new experiences. Therefore, protecting and prioritizing sleep is crucial for maintaining a youthful mindset and promoting overall well-being.

The study consisted of two parts. In the first part, 429 participants aged 18 to 70 answered questions about their perceived age, the number of nights they had slept poorly in the past month, and their level of sleepiness. The results revealed that for each night of poor sleep, individuals felt on average three months older. Furthermore, those who reported no bad nights of sleep in the preceding month felt on average nearly six years younger than their true age. However, it remains unclear whether poor sleep causes individuals to feel older or vice versa.

In the second part of the study, 186 volunteers aged 18 to 46 were asked about how old they felt after two nights of abundant sleep (nine hours per night) and two nights of restricted sleep (four hours per night). The participants reported feeling an average of 4.44 years older after the nights of restricted sleep, and this feeling of being older was strongly correlated with increased sleepiness.

The study also explored how different chronotypes (morning or evening preference) influence individuals’ perception of age in relation to sleep. The researchers found that evening types typically felt older than their true age, even after getting sufficient sleep. On the other hand, morning types experienced a greater impact on their perceived age when their sleep was disrupted.

The implications of the study’s findings are significant. Dr. Leonie Balter, the lead author of the study, highlights how subjective age can be malleable and suggests that by making individuals feel younger, they may be more willing to embrace new experiences, engage socially, and stay physically active. This mindset shift can lead to various benefits beyond simply feeling younger.

While the study provides promising insights, further research is necessary to explore the long-term effects of poor sleep on individuals’ perceived aging. Additionally, investigating the impact of sleep on older individuals could further enhance our understanding of the relationship between sleep and subjective age.

The potential future trends related to the themes of the study indicate a growing awareness of the importance of sleep and its impact on overall well-being. As individuals become more conscious of the connection between sleep and subjective age, they may prioritize sleep hygiene and engage in behaviors that promote restful sleep.

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the field of sleep science, leading to the development of innovative technologies and solutions aimed at improving sleep quality. The emergence of wearable devices, smartphone applications, and smart home technologies focused on sleep monitoring and optimization suggest a future where individuals have more tools to track and improve their sleep patterns.

Furthermore, the study’s emphasis on the relationship between sleep and health behaviors highlights the interconnectedness of various aspects of well-being. The understanding that sleep affects lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and physical activity, underscores the importance of a holistic approach to health. This insight could influence future public health initiatives and interventions that promote healthy sleep habits alongside other lifestyle modifications.

In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence of the profound impact of sleep on how old we feel. As society becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sleep for overall well-being, it is likely that there will be a greater emphasis on promoting healthy sleep habits and exploring innovative solutions to optimize sleep quality. By prioritizing sleep and adopting behaviors that support restful slumber, individuals can potentially retain a more youthful mindset and enjoy the associated benefits in various aspects of their lives.

Sources: