BOLZANO. How do South Tyroleans sleep? The first sleep study in South Tyrol answers this and other questions on the topic of night sleep. From April to June 2024 theInstitute of General Medicine and Public Health of Bolzano carried out research in collaboration withProvincial Institute of Statistics Astatcollecting significant data on sleep quality in the South Tyrolean adult population for the first time.
“Most people in the Province of Bolzano sleep well, but 1 in 6 people have sleep problems. Women, the elderly and people suffering from chronic pathologies more often sleep unsatisfactorily. Those who respect regular sleep hygiene rest better” , explains Dietmar Ausserhofer, Head of the investigation. Sleep quality was subjectively perceived as fairly good or very good by 82% of participants. However, one in six people (18%) rate the quality of their sleep as fairly bad or very bad. On average, South Tyroleans sleep as well as, or even slightly better than, other populations (Italian and worldwide).
“An Italian study showed that approximately 14% of the population over 15 years old suffers from poor quality sleep. Similar research in other countries reported similar values: between 13% and 36% of adults said they have unsatisfactory sleep,” Ausserhofer illustrated, placing the local data in an international context.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of sleep problems has increased globally by 40%, causing a significant increase in cases of sleep disorders also in the Province of Bolzano, where however – as underlined by Ausserhofer – “the South Tyroleans (still) they sleep well.” Sleep quality is influenced by age, gender and chronic diseases (e.g. hypertension).
“Chronic diseases and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety negatively impact sleep. Those suffering from hypertension, metabolic and kidney disorders also have a greater risk of insomnia,” he explains Christian Wiedermann. Women sleep less well than men. The average South Tyrolean follows a “classic” sleep rhythm: he goes to bed between 10pm and 11pm (60% of those interviewed) and wakes up between 6.00 and 7.00 in the morning (61% of those interviewed), sleeping on average about seven hours a night.”
Engaging Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dietmar Ausserhofer, Head of the Sleep Study in South Tyrol
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Dietmar! It’s great to have you here with us to discuss the fascinating findings from the recent sleep study conducted in South Tyrol. Let’s dive right in. What were some of the key objectives of your research?
Dietmar Ausserhofer (DA): Thank you for having me! Our primary goal was to assess sleep quality among the adult population in South Tyrol for the first time. We wanted to understand not just how well people sleep, but who is more likely to experience sleep problems and what factors might influence these issues.
TNE: That’s intriguing. The results indicated that while a significant majority sleep well, about one in six individuals struggle with sleep issues. What do you think are the underlying reasons for these challenges?
DA: Yes, we found that approximately 18% of respondents rated their sleep quality as fairly bad or very bad. Our study highlighted that women, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions reported more sleep dissatisfaction. This can often be attributed to various factors such as hormonal changes, lifestyle choices, or the lingering effects of chronic illnesses.
TNE: It’s interesting to hear that demographic factors play such a role. You also mentioned the importance of regular sleep hygiene. Can you elaborate on what that entails?
DA: Certainly! Sleep hygiene refers to practices and habits that promote restful sleep. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting exposure to screens before bedtime. Our data suggest that individuals who adhere to these practices tend to report better sleep quality.
TNE: Those are practical insights! And how does the sleep quality in South Tyrol compare to other regions in Italy and globally?
DA: We found that South Tyroleans generally sleep as well, or even slightly better, than populations in other studies. For instance, a similar Italian study indicated that about 14% of people over 15 years old experience poor sleep quality, which aligns with data from other countries where figures range from 13% to 36%. This places our findings within a supportive context, but it also indicates that there’s still room for improvement.
TNE: Those comparisons are quite enlightening. As the head of this investigation, what do you think these findings imply for public health policies in South Tyrol?
DA: Our research underscores the need for increased awareness and education around sleep health. Public health initiatives could focus on promoting healthy sleep practices, especially targeting groups at a higher risk of sleep dissatisfaction, such as women and the elderly. We also encourage healthcare providers to routinely ask about sleep quality in consultations, particularly for patients with chronic conditions.
TNE: Those are excellent suggestions! with this study being a first of its kind in South Tyrol, do you plan to conduct follow-up studies to track changes over time?
DA: Absolutely! We believe that longitudinal studies will be invaluable. Tracking changes in sleep quality over the coming years will help us understand the impact of interventions and societal changes on sleep health. Our aim is to continue contributing to this under-researched topic, not just locally but also in a broader context.
TNE: Thank you, Dietmar, for sharing these insights with us today! It’s evident that understanding sleep patterns is crucial for enhancing quality of life in our communities.
DA: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important findings with you.