Researchers ID 4 Sleep Types & Their Health Impacts

A recent study has untangled the complex relationship between sleep and health by classifying sleepers into four distinct types, aiming for a better understanding of their influence on overall well-being.

Although studies have indicated that inadequate sleep increases the risk of various chronic ailments, many of these studies typically assess only one aspect of sleep during a specific period, potentially overlooking crucial information.

The research involved surveying 3,683 participants enrolled in a continuous longitudinal study conducted in the United States. Participants were surveyed twice: initially between 2004 and 2006, and subsequently between 2013 and 2017. They disclosed details regarding their sleep patterns, levels of daytime fatigue, and any chronic health issues they encountered.

Study Led by Pennsylvania State University Uncovers Unique Health Impacts of Different Sleep Patterns

Led by researchers from Pennsylvania State University, the study revealed that each sleep pattern has unique implications for health. Additionally, the researchers observed that individuals were unlikely to alter their sleep behaviors over time.

Soomi Lee, a sleep scientist at the Sleep, Stress, and Health (STEALTH) laboratory at Pennsylvania State University, commented, “These findings may suggest the challenge of modifying our sleep routines due to their integration into our overall lifestyle. It also indicates a potential lack of awareness regarding the significance of sleep and healthy sleep practices.”

The research team categorized participants into four distinct groups based on various sleep-related measures.

One group, termed “good sleepers,” maintained a healthy sleep regimen characterized by consistent timing and duration, satisfaction, daytime alertness, appropriate bedtimes, efficient sleep onset and wakefulness, and adequate duration.

Another group identified were “weekend catch-up sleepers,” who typically had shorter than average sleep durations on regular days but compensated by sleeping longer on weekends or non-working days.

Next, there were individuals classified as insomnia sleepers, exhibiting typical symptoms of insomnia such as difficulty falling asleep, daytime fatigue, and prolonged sleep onset.

The fourth category consisted of nappers, characterized by generally healthy sleep patterns alongside frequent daytime napping.

At the second assessment, the researchers noted that more than half of the participants fell into either the insomnia sleepers or nappers groups – sleep patterns considered less than optimal.

Persistent Insomnia Associated with Increased Risk of Chronic Health Conditions

Those who consistently remained as insomnia sleepers over the decade were found to have a higher likelihood of developing various chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.

The study’s authors emphasize the necessity for enhanced efforts to raise awareness about the advantages of healthy sleep habits and the association between poor sleep and deteriorating health. They highlight the significant impact of sleep on various aspects of life, from memory to creativity.

“Sleep is a daily behavior,” explains Lee. “Moreover, it’s a behavior that can be modified. Thus, if we consistently enhance our sleep habits, what positive outcomes might we observe over months or even years?“

The data revealed that older adults and retirees tended to be nappers, while individuals with lower levels of education or experiencing job insecurity were more likely to fall into the insomnia category.

These findings underscore the complexity of sleep research, wherein numerous factors influence sleep patterns, which in turn have diverse effects on health. Categorizing sleepers into distinct types, as done previously, provides a clearer understanding of these relationships.

Lee suggests that adopting certain sleep hygiene practices, like refraining from using cell phones in bed, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding late afternoon caffeine consumption, can enhance sleep quality.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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