People over 50 who sleep less than five hours a night are at greater risk of multimorbidity, i.e. having at least two chronic diseases at the same time (for example, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.), compared with their peers who sleep more than seven hours, a new European scientific study shows. This is another study that highlights the importance of getting enough sleep for health, especially in middle and old age.

Researchers from France and the UK, led by Dr. Severin Sabia from the University of Paris Cité, as well as the Institute of Epidemiology and Health at University College London (UCL), who made a corresponding publication in the medical journal PLoS Medicine, analyzed data on 7864 healthy people who were observed in for 25 years in relation to their medical history (disease diagnosis).

Compared to those who slept seven hours, those who slept five hours or less at age 50 were found to be, on average, 20% more likely to be diagnosed with one chronic disease and 40% more likely to be diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases. in the next 25 years.

In 60-year-olds who sleep up to five hours, the risk of multiple chronic diseases is 32% higher, and in 70-year-olds – 40% higher. Poor sleep at age 50 was still associated with a 25% increased risk of early death, largely due to an increase in chronic disease.

On the other hand, in the 60s and 70s, sleeping more than nine hours a night was also associated with a 35 percent increase in the likelihood of polymorbidity, although prolonged sleep in some cases should be attributed to their chronic diseases themselves.

The researchers noted that as life expectancy increases in developed countries, it is becoming more common to live with multiple health problems, especially if sleep deprivation is present. Sabia said that “multimorbidity is on the rise in high-income countries, and more than half of older people now have at least two chronic conditions. This is becoming a major public health issue as multimorbidity is associated with frequent health care visits, high hospital admissions and disability. As people age, sleep habits change. But seven to eight hours of sleep is recommended, as sleep duration below or above this limit is associated with various chronic diseases. Our results also show that short sleep duration is associated with multimorbidity. To ensure a better night’s sleep, it is important to take certain hygiene measures, such as making sure the room is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature before going to bed. We also advise putting away electronic devices and avoiding large meals before bed. Physical activity and exposure to light throughout the day also promote good sleep.”

Source: RES – OIE