A recent study concluded that there are healthy sleep rules that must be followed to achieve adequate rest, allowing individuals to continue their lives well. It found that good sleep leads to extending human life and adding years to one's lifespan. A report published by the medical news site "Health Digest," as seen by "Arabia Net," indicated that occasional lack of sleep can lead to difficulties in concentration, and over time, sleep deprivation may result in cognitive problems and chronic diseases later in life.
According to a scientific study conducted in 2024, it was revealed that good sleep patterns can add 4.7 years to a man's life and 2.4 years to a woman's life. The study interviewed more than 170,000 people about their health and sleep behaviors and compared the results with death records years later.
The researchers considered five sleep factors in their quality of sleep scale. The first was whether individuals received the ideal amount of sleep, ranging from seven to eight hours. The next two factors considered were the difficulty of falling asleep and staying asleep all night. The fourth factor concerned whether individuals took sleep medications, and the fifth related to how rested individuals felt upon waking.
To earn a full five points for sleep quality, individuals must get at least seven hours of sleep, fall asleep easily, stay asleep for at least five nights a week, not take sleep medications, and wake up feeling rested for five days a week. The researchers found that individuals who scored five points for sleep quality had an expected average lifespan longer than those who scored one or zero sleep factors.
The researchers noted that sleep quality also affects the risk of death from specific conditions. Those who scored five points had a 30% lower risk of death from all causes, a 21% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, and a 19% decrease in cancer mortality risk.
Experts recommend improving sleep patterns in daily life by respecting the body's biological clock by sleeping and waking at consistent times throughout the week. They also advise that going to bed should not follow intense exercise or heavy meals, as this may make it difficult to sleep. It is better to avoid these activities for two hours before bedtime. Additionally, individuals can sleep a little easier by practicing relaxation rituals, including turning off lights, reading a book, or taking a bath to allow the body and mind to settle. Experts also recommend staying away from mobile phones, computers, and electronic devices in the late hours of the night.
