If you want to age healthily, start by sleeping well. A team of researchers from Wenzhou Medical University (China), found that changes in sleep patterns as we age are associated with lower odds of healthy aging.
According to the study, published in ‘BMC public health‘, healthy aging is defined by five key components:
Absence of major chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease and stroke; not have physical limitations, assessed by the ability to independently carry out daily activities (dressing, washing, eating); have normal cognitive function, as measured by tests such as telephone cognitive interviews, drawing tasks, and word memory tasks; good mental health, determined by a low score on the depression scale Center for Epidemiological Studiesactive participation in life, through social activities such as meeting friends, playing games such as mahjong or chess, and attending community events.
The study was conducted on a cohort of 3,306 Chinese participants, free of chronic diseases in 2011 and who reached age 60 or older in 2020. Their sleep patterns (nighttime and daytime naps) in 2011, 2013 were analyzed. and 2015.
The results showed five different sleep patterns: stable-normal, stable-long, decreasing, increasing and stable-short. Logistic regression models, adjusting for factors such as age, gender, and education level, examined the relationship between these models and successful aging.
Participants with stable or short sleep patterns had lower odds of healthy aging, with adjusted odds ratios of 0.64 and 0.48, respectively. The decreasing model also showed a negative trend, although not statistically significant. The stable-long model showed no significant differences compared to the stable-normal model.
only 13.8% of the cohort met criteria for healthy aging in 2020. These findings suggest that maintaining stable and adequate sleep duration is critical for healthy aging, highlighting the importance of sleep-focused public health strategies for China’s aging population, which faces rapid aging and growing health challenges.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Sleep Health Expert Dr. Li Wang
Editor: Good day, readers! Today we have a special guest, Dr. Li Wang, a renowned sleep health expert from Wenzhou Medical University in China. Dr. Wang, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Wang: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the important connection between sleep and healthy aging.
Editor: Your recent research highlighted that sleep patterns in aging individuals are associated with a lower likelihood of healthy aging. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Wang: Absolutely! Our study found that as people age, changes in their sleep patterns can significantly impact their overall health. Specifically, those who maintain a regular and restful sleep schedule tend to have better health outcomes in later life.
Editor: That sounds promising! What are the markers of healthy aging that your study focused on?
Dr. Wang: We defined healthy aging by five key components: the absence of major chronic diseases, the ability to carry out daily activities independently, normal cognitive function, good mental health, and, of course, good sleep patterns. Each of these elements plays a critical role in how well individuals age.
Editor: Fascinating! Could you expound on how sleep interacts with these components?
Dr. Wang: Certainly! Sleep is foundational. For instance, poor sleep is linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It affects cognitive functions too—irregular sleep patterns can lead to cognitive decline. Moreover, mental health is deeply intertwined with sleep; anxiety and depression are often exacerbated by sleep disturbances.
Editor: So, we could say that improving sleep hygiene might be a gateway to better health in older age?
Dr. Wang: Exactly! Prioritizing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and minimizing screen time before bed, can significantly boost one’s ability to age healthily.
Editor: What advice do you have for people who suspect their sleep may not be up to par, especially as they age?
Dr. Wang: I recommend starting with a sleep journal to track sleep patterns. If someone consistently struggles, consulting a healthcare provider specializing in sleep disorders can be beneficial. Simple changes in lifestyle, like regular exercise, reducing caffeine intake, and establishing a calming bedtime routine, can also lead to improved sleep quality.
Editor: Those are wonderful tips! Lastly, do you think society recognizes the importance of sleep in the context of healthy aging?
Dr. Wang: I believe awareness is increasing, but we still have a long way to go. Education is key—people need to understand that sleep is not a luxury but a vital component of health. As we promote healthy aging, sleep should be at the forefront of those discussions.
Editor: Dr. Wang, it’s been enlightening discussing this vital topic with you. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. Wang: Thank you for the opportunity! I hope our conversation inspires others to prioritize their sleep for a healthier future.
Editor: Absolutely! Readers, make sure to take these insights to heart. Sleep well and age healthily!