Feeling sleepy can make you feel older than you actually are, according to research from Stockholm University. Previous studies have shown that feeling younger than one’s actual age is associated with longer, healthier lives, and even predicts brain age. The researchers at Stockholm University set out to investigate whether sleep plays a role in how old individuals feel. In two separate studies involving over 600 participants, they found that insufficient sleep leads to individuals feeling older than their actual age.
In the first study, 429 individuals aged 18 to 70 were asked about their subjective age, sleep habits, and levels of sleepiness. It was found that for each night of insufficient sleep in the past month, participants felt an average of 0.23 years older. The second study involved 186 participants aged 18 to 46 who underwent an experimental sleep restriction study. They were restricted to only four hours of sleep for two nights and then allowed nine hours of sleep for another two nights. After sleep restriction, participants reported feeling an average of 4.4 years older than when they had sufficient sleep.
The effects of sleep on subjective age were found to be related to how sleepy participants felt. Feeling extremely alert was associated with feeling younger than one’s actual age, while extreme sleepiness led to feeling older than one’s actual age. In fact, going from feeling alert to sleepy added a surprising 10 years to how old one felt. The researchers emphasized the importance of safeguarding sleep to maintain a youthful feeling, as it can promote an active lifestyle and encourage behaviors that support overall health.
The study highlights the significant impact of sleep on how old individuals feel. Ensuring an adequate amount of sleep is crucial not only for physical health but also for maintaining a youthful mindset. Feeling alert and young motivates individuals to engage in healthy behaviors and maintain an active lifestyle. The research suggests that prioritizing quality sleep can have far-reaching benefits in promoting overall well-being and longevity.
By demonstrating the link between sleep and subjective age, the researchers have shed light on the importance of sleep in preserving a youthful mindset. In today’s fast-paced world, where sleep is often sacrificed for productivity, the findings serve as a reminder of the profound impact that sleep has on our well-being. Taking steps to prioritize sleep and ensure a good night’s rest may be a key factor in maintaining a sense of vitality and energy that is associated with feeling younger than one’s years.
