Sleep has been hailed as one of the most powerful remedies for a healthy life. Scientific research shows that quality sleep can extend your lifespan, boost your immune system, improve your mood, and reduce the risk of various health issues like heart disease and diabetes—all at no cost and without side effects.
“Making the effort to improve your sleep could be one of the most crucial decisions for your long-term health,” says a sleep expert. Whether you’re dealing with a snoring partner or struggling to find rest, recent studies highlight the importance of getting the right amount of sleep to positively impact your overall health, not just how you feel the next day.
Dr. Neil Stanley, a prominent sleep expert, emphasizes that a good night’s sleep is just as vital as diet and exercise. He points out that while many people believe they need eight hours of sleep each night, the actual requirement varies from person to person. The key is to determine how much sleep you need to feel refreshed during the day.
In the 1990s, a study of 459 women aged 50 to 81 revealed that those who slept between five and six and a half hours per night had the highest survival rates after 14 years. Those who slept less than five hours or more than six and a half hours fared worse. This research suggests that both insufficient and excessive sleep can be detrimental to longevity.
Dr. Stanley advises against rigid sleep habits, such as believing you must get eight hours of sleep or relying on sleep aids like lavender pillows or whale music. Instead, he suggests finding a personal relaxation routine that works for you.
In a society that often undervalues sleep, Dr. Stanley stresses the importance of changing our mindset. He argues that getting enough sleep is not only essential for feeling better but also beneficial for your skin and can even aid in weight loss.
Finally, Dr. Stanley encourages people to be “selfish sleepers.” If your partner’s sleep habits are affecting your rest, consider sleeping in separate beds or rooms. This doesn’t mean sacrificing intimacy; it’s about prioritizing the quality of your sleep, which is crucial for your health and well-being.
By Bunmi Sofola
Sleep has been hailed as one of the most powerful remedies for a healthy life. Scientific research shows that quality sleep can extend your lifespan, boost your immune system, improve your mood, and reduce the risk of various health issues like heart disease and diabetes—all at no cost and without side effects.
“Making the effort to improve your sleep could be one of the most crucial decisions for your long-term health,” says a sleep expert. Whether you’re dealing with a snoring partner or struggling to find rest, recent studies highlight the importance of getting the right amount of sleep to positively impact your overall health, not just how you feel the next day.
Dr. Neil Stanley, a prominent sleep expert, emphasizes that a good night’s sleep is just as vital as diet and exercise. He points out that while many people believe they need eight hours of sleep each night, the actual requirement varies from person to person. The key is to determine how much sleep you need to feel refreshed during the day.
In the 1990s, a study of 459 women aged 50 to 81 revealed that those who slept between five and six and a half hours per night had the highest survival rates after 14 years. Those who slept less than five hours or more than six and a half hours fared worse. This research suggests that both insufficient and excessive sleep can be detrimental to longevity.
Dr. Stanley advises against rigid sleep habits, such as believing you must get eight hours of sleep or relying on sleep aids like lavender pillows or whale music. Instead, he suggests finding a personal relaxation routine that works for you.
In a society that often undervalues sleep, Dr. Stanley stresses the importance of changing our mindset. He argues that getting enough sleep is not only essential for feeling better but also beneficial for your skin and can even aid in weight loss.
Finally, Dr. Stanley encourages people to be “selfish sleepers.” If your partner’s sleep habits are affecting your rest, consider sleeping in separate beds or rooms. This doesn’t mean sacrificing intimacy; it’s about prioritizing the quality of your sleep, which is crucial for your health and well-being.
