5 Distinct Sleep Profiles Linked to Health Outcomes

Scientists have identified five different sleep profiles that show unique patterns of brain network organization. These profiles were linked to various health, psychological, and lifestyle outcomes. The study analyzed data from 770 healthy young adults and found distinct patterns of brain function for each profile.

The first profile is associated with poor sleep quality, leading to negative mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. People in this group tend to wake up faster at night and are less satisfied with their sleep overall.

The second profile shows no major sleep problems but has mental health issues like ADHD and lower conscientiousness. These issues may stem from other causes rather than sleep.

The third profile is linked to the use of sleep aid medications, resulting in increased conscientiousness and satisfaction in friendships. However, they also experience cognitive problems with memory and spatial orientation.

Profile four is associated with shorter sleep duration, leading to aggressive behavior and difficulty with emotional processing.

Finally, the fifth profile is driven by frequent nighttime wakings, exhibiting aggressive behavior and cognitive issues similar to those in Profile 4 but also showing symptoms of thought problems and substance abuse.

The study’s findings suggest that understanding these five profiles can help doctors diagnose and treat sleep disorders more effectively. The research highlights the importance of considering quality rather than just hours of sleep when assessing overall health and wellbeing.

Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/there-are-5-profiles-of-sleep-heres-what-yours-says-about-your-health