A recent study led by Professor Jianfeng Feng at the University of Warwick has found that sleeping too little or too much can harm brain health. The research, which analyzed data from over half a million adults aged 38-73 years in the UK Biobank database, revealed that those who slept fewer than 7 hours (known as ‘short sleepers’) were more likely to experience depression, heart disease, and obesity, as well as reduced muscle and skeletal health.
On the other hand, sleeping more than 7 hours was associated with cognitive decline, higher inflammation, and poorer metabolic health. However, genetic analysis showed that short sleep and long sleep are biologically distinct, with their own unique associations. The study suggests that short sleep is often an underlying cause of health issues, while long sleep tends to reflect pre-existing conditions.
The researchers aim to develop targeted strategies to improve sleep health among aging populations. With the average recommended amount of sleep being 7 hours per night, it’s essential for individuals to find their optimal sleep duration to maintain good brain health.
Source: https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/news/sleeping-too-much-or-too-little-can-harm-brain-health-396762