Improper sleep patterns lead to dangerous consequences

Sleep is a key factor in health, but its duration should be optimal. Sleep deprivation causes fatigue, lowers mood and negatively affects the brain. However, too much sleep also carries hidden risks, provoking inflammation and age-related diseases.

Specialists from the University of Warwick analyzed data from almost 500 thousand adults aged 38 to 73 years. Participants were divided into groups: “short sleepers” (less than 7 hours a night) and ‘long sleepers’ (more than 7 hours). The scientists then matched their habits to their health status, genetic characteristics and brain scans.

The results were surprising. Those who slept little were more likely to suffer from depression, experience chronic fatigue, and have bone and muscle problems. Such people had a decrease in gray matter in the areas of the brain responsible for emotions. In addition, sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Excess sleep isn’t good for you either. Long sleep is associated with memory impairment, lower levels of “good” cholesterol and inflammatory processes in the body. According to neuroscanning data, such people suffer from the parts of the brain responsible for cognitive functions. Interestingly, long sleep is more like a consequence of existing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia than their cause.

Genetic analysis has shown that short and long sleep are two different biological processes, not extremes of the same system. Scientists believe that understanding these differences will help develop personalized strategies to improve sleep and extend active longevity.

“Our findings change the way we look at the sleep-health connection. Sleep deprivation is more of a cause of disease, while long sleep is a manifestation of it. It is now important to create individualized methods of sleep correction for different groups of people,” said Professor Jianfeng Feng, leader of the study.

Further work in this area will help to form scientifically based recommendations for sleep management, which will take into account the age and characteristics of the body. After all, quality sleep is not only rest, but also the foundation of a long and healthy life.