Getting good quality sleep could be more important for a healthy and happy life than getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, according to new research.
"Individuals who have a better quality sleep also have a better quality of life"
A study by scientists at Charles University in Prague and the Czech Academy of Sciences found that those who reported good quality sleep — defined as being able to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep without waking too many times — reported having a better quality of life compared to those who did not.
The study, which followed more than 4,000 people in the Czech Republic for three years, measured quality of life using five parameters: satisfaction, well-being, happiness, subjective health and work stress.
The bottom line is researchers found that those whose sleep improved also had an improved quality of life. Clearly, we all know instinctively that this is true.
However, the research team discovered that sleep duration was not as important to an individual’s quality of life as “a good night’s sleep”.
The researchers said: “Better sleep means a better quality of life. While when we sleep and how long we sleep is important, individuals who have better quality sleep also have a better quality of life, regardless of the time and length of sleep.”
The study also examined “social jet lag”, where socially directed sleep patterns and biological rhythms are mismatched and found that sleep quality was associated with health and happiness, while work stress was linked to social jet lag.
Lead scientist Prof Neil Walsh of Liverpool John Moore’s University stated "Social jet lag reflects, for example, the difference between weekday and weekend sleep and risks of poor health outcome. Having a regular sleep schedule is recommended."
However, the researchers said further studies were needed to establish whether poor quality sleep lowers quality of life or whether low quality of life leads to poor sleep quality.
Prof Walsh said the findings “indicate a strong relationship between self-reported sleep quality and quality of life”.
The esteemed professor went on to say, "Seven to nine hours of sleep for adults is based upon empirical research but we are now learning that individual sleep needs are important and that an individual can, for example, have shorter sleep but still report good sleep quality.
He added: “Studies are required in a larger population, over a longer timeframe and ideally with more objective measures of sleep and clinical health outcomes.”
The British National Sleep Foundation recommends adults sleep for at least seven hours each night.
Tips for achieving restorative sleep:
- Attempt to go to bed and wake up at more or less the same times when possible
- Keep your bed clean and tidy and the ambient air temperature on the cooler side
- Do not eat less than three hours before bed
- Skip using devices but definitely read a book or magazine
- Do not drink excess water one hour before bed
- If necessary, utilize natural sleep aids such as Melatonin, minerals, and herbs know to support deep, restorative sleep
The best of health and happiness!
Team 3Care
