New Delhi: Researchers from Wenzhou Medical University in China have highlighted the significant role of sleep patterns in promoting healthy and successful aging. According to the study, maintaining consistent and sufficient sleep durations is crucial for aging without chronic diseases and maintaining overall well-being.
The research team defined successful aging as the absence of major chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and stroke, alongside good cognitive and mental health and a lack of physical disabilities.
Published in the journal BMC Public Health, the study emphasized the need for middle-aged and older adults to closely monitor changes in their sleep habits.
The study involved the analysis of data from 3,306 participants who, as of 2011, did not have major chronic conditions and had reached the age of 60 or older by 2020. To evaluate sleep patterns, the team considered both nighttime sleep and daytime naps, combining these to assess total daily sleep duration in the years 2011, 2013, and 2015.
Participants who exhibited ‘increasing’ and ‘short-stable’ sleep duration trajectories were found to have significantly lower odds of achieving successful aging. A ‘decreasing’ sleep pattern is also correlated with reduced odds of meeting the criteria for healthy aging.
By 2020, only 13.8 per cent of the cohort met the definition of successful aging. The findings indicated that both regular short and long sleep durations could hinder successful aging by disrupting physical and mental well-being.
The researchers pointed out that these shifts in sleep duration were not just natural age-related changes but significant markers indicating potential obstacles to aging successfully. “These findings underscore that chronic sleep deprivation, as well as the patterns of increasing and decreasing sleep duration, are not mere age-related changes; rather, they emerge as pivotal indicators of obstacles in the pursuit of successful ageing,” the study noted.
The research calls for targeted approaches to maintain stable sleep patterns among middle-aged and older individuals as part of broader strategies for promoting longevity and reducing the risk of age-associated health issues. As the global population continues to age, ensuring optimal sleep practices could play a critical role in enhancing life quality and sustaining public health.