New Study Finds Good Sleep Reduces Risk of Nursing Home Placement
A new study conducted by the University of Sydney has found a significant correlation between sleep habits and the likelihood of ending up in a nursing home. The research, which will be published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, surveyed participants over the age of 60 between 2006 and 2009 and followed up with them a decade later.
The study revealed that those who slept between seven and nine hours a night were 23% less likely to end up in a nursing home compared to those who slept fewer than five hours or more than 11 hours a night. These findings highlight the importance of getting an adequate amount of sleep for older adults to maintain their independence and health.
Interestingly, the researchers also identified smoking as the only risk factor worse than bad sleep habits. Smokers were twice as likely to end up in a nursing home compared to nonsmokers, emphasizing the detrimental impact of smoking on overall health.
While a healthy diet and regular exercise were also found to be beneficial, the study showed that getting enough sleep played an even more crucial role. Among the participants surveyed, those with the healthiest lifestyles were 30% less likely to end up in a nursing home compared to those with the least healthy lifestyles.
When it came to diet, the researchers found that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, consuming fish regularly, and limiting red or processed meat intake were key factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise was also important, with five hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week being considered beneficial. However, the study also emphasized the importance of reducing sedentary behavior. Sitting for less than seven hours a day was associated with a lower risk of nursing home placement, while sitting for more than nine hours a day was considered high risk.
These findings further solidify the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including getting enough sleep, as individuals age. The study provides evidence that simple, cost-effective interventions can have a significant impact on long-term health outcomes.
As medical treatments become more expensive, taking proactive steps to care for one’s health becomes increasingly vital. This study serves as a reminder that many of the best health interventions are within our own control and can be as simple as prioritizing quality sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. By making these lifestyle changes, older adults can increase their chances of aging independently and avoiding nursing home placement.