Sleeping a little less than eight hours may not hurt much, but if you fall below five hours, the risk of at least two chronic illnesses increases, according to a new study from University College London.
The researchers looked at the impact of sleep duration on the health of more than 7,000 men and women aged 50, 60 and 70. People who reported getting five hours of sleep or less by age 50 were 20 percent more likely to have a chronic illness, such as heart problems, cancer or diabetes, and 40 percent more likely to have two or more chronic illnesses over the course of 25 years, compared with people who slept until seven o’clock.
In addition, sleeping five hours or less at ages 50, 60 and 70 was linked to a 30 to 40 percent increased risk of dying prematurely.
“As people get older, their sleeping habits and sleep duration change. However, it is recommended to sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, because shorter sleep is associated with chronic diseases,” said one of the researchers.
He also has some tips. “For a better night’s sleep, it is important to have good sleep hygiene. Make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. It is also advisable to avoid electronic devices and large meals before bedtime. Physical activity and exposure light during the day can actually promote a good night’s sleep.”
The researchers also found no association between sleeping longer than 9 hours and chronic diseases.