A good night's sleep turns out to be an important secret to a long and healthy life. New research shows that sleep is not merely rest, but an essential biological function. During sleep, our organs repair themselves and the brain clears out waste products that can cause damage. Both are necessary for maintaining our health and vitality at a later age.
The right number of hours of sleep is important. Sleeping too little, less than six hours a night, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and overweight. But sleeping for too long as well, more than nine hours, can be harmful. The ideal duration is around seven to eight hours a night, with everyone benefiting from a regular sleep routine.
Besides the quantity, the quality of sleep also plays a major role. Especially during deep sleep, the brain is cleaned and we can replenish our energy reserves. Disturbed sleep, for example due to waking up frequently, can make the body more vulnerable to illnesses and cognitive problems such as memory loss.
Our biological clock, which regulates circadian rhythms, ensures that many bodily processes are aligned with day and night. Sleeping and waking up regularly helps to maintain this clock and thus promotes health. Irregular sleep patterns, on the other hand, are associated with adverse effects on the body, such as an increased risk of premature death.
For those working on healthy ageing, sleep is therefore a free and effective way to stay vital for longer. Good sleep contributes not only to a longer life, but also to a better quality of life in older age.
Source: Buck Institute
