A study developed by Stanford Medicine has discovered information that could likely affect people who do not fall asleep early. What is known about this problem, and how many hours one should sleep. Is staying up late really bad for health?
People who do not sleep early are at risk of developing mental health issues
A study involving nearly 75,000 adults revealed that problems following a sleep schedule are linked to some mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, as reported in Psychiatry Research and led by Jaime Zeiter. Thus, it was confirmed that individuals who sleep late at night may suffer from such health complications.
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In this case, the research team analyzed the preferred sleep schedule of all respondents and also compared it with their actual sleep behavior. In this context, it was observed that some individuals register peaks of energy at specific times of the day, claiming they are a bit more active at night. Therefore, it is important that if you plan to rest very late, you take action that may benefit you.
Regarding this situation, Zeitzer added: “Night owls who followed a late sleep schedule had between 20% and 40% higher odds of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder compared to those who followed an early or intermediate sleep schedule”, he said.
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“Harmful behaviors, such as suicidal thoughts, violent crimes, alcohol and drug use, and overeating, are more common at night,” he added.
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What are the 4 tips for better sleep?
The American Cancer Society provided four suggestions to consider before going to bed:
1- Try to rest at the same time.
2- Avoid consuming nicotine.
3- Try not to take naps after 3 pm.
4- During dinner, avoid heavy foods.
(See more: Why you shouldn’t feel guilty for sleeping ‘5 more minutes,’ according to a study)
If problems persist, it is important to visit a specialized doctor.
How many hours of sleep are recommended per day?
According to information provided by specialists in Sleep 2024, it was found that those who get good rest tend to have very positive impacts on their lives. Therefore, it is also suggested that the minimum hours of rest should be 7 hours, an average necessary for health.
A recent study by Stanford Medicine highlights the potential health risks for individuals who do not adhere to an early sleep schedule. The findings indicate that late-night sleep patterns could be linked to various mental health disorders.
Link Between Late Sleep and Mental Health Issues
Analyzing data from approximately 75,000 adults, the research revealed a strong correlation between irregular sleep times and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. This was published in the journal Psychiatry Research, spearheaded by researcher Jaime Zeitzer. The study notes that individuals who habitually go to bed late may face heightened risks of mental health complications.
Understanding Sleep Patterns
The research delves into participants’ preferred sleeping hours alongside their actual sleep behaviors. Findings suggest that nocturnal individuals often experience increased energy levels during late-night hours. However, experts warn that this behavior can lead to adverse repercussions. Zeitzer noted, “Nocturnal individuals with late sleep schedules had a 20% to 40% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with mental health disorders compared to those who slept earlier.”
Tips for Better Sleep Hygiene
The American Cancer Society offers several practical suggestions to improve sleep quality:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Avoid nicotine consumption.
- Refrain from napping after 3 PM.
- Opt for lighter meals during dinner.
Recommended Sleep Duration
Experts from Sleep 2024 suggest that a minimum of 7 hours of sleep is essential for optimal health. Adequate rest correlates positively with improved overall life quality and well-being.