Science Uncovers Hours of Sleep for Optimal Health, Goodbye the 8-Hour Myth!

While we’ve been repeatedly pointed out to the importance of getting at least 8 hours of sleep, science is shedding new light on this norm.

Insomnia and hypersomnia, lack and excess sleep, respectively, adversely affect mental health. Sleep deprivation is associated with mental disorders and cognitive impairment, Meanwhile he excessive sleep may increase suicidal thoughts and behavior. Interruption of slow waves of deep sleep can affect memory and lack of sleep It can increase levels of beta-amyloid protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Quality sleep is critical to preventing health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, affects mood and compromises cardiovascular function..

In addition, it is associated with altered glucose metabolism and appetite regulation, which may contribute to type 2 diabetes and obesity. Chronic inflammation can also arise from lack of sleep, as this increases inflammatory markers in the body.

A study published in the journal Nature Aging that analyzed the sleep habits of nearly 500,000 adults found that both too little and too much sleep negatively impact cognitive function. Contrary to popular belief, research has shown that the optimal amount of sleep to keep your brain at its best is 7 hours.

In short, science proves that the magic number of 8 hours of sleep is not the only key to good health. Maintaining a balance of about 7 hours of quality sleep is essential to preserve cognitive functions, mental and physical health in general.