New research from Penn State has shed light on the long-term health consequences of chronic sleep deprivation. The study, which looked at the sleep habits of nearly 3,700 adults in the U.S., found that individuals with insomnia were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and frailty over time. However, weekend catch-up sleepers did not show a significant association with these chronic conditions.
The researchers also discovered that most people did not change their sleep patterns over a 10-year period, suggesting that sleep habits are deeply ingrained in our lifestyles. This underscores the importance of prioritizing good sleep hygiene as a way to improve overall health.
Three simple strategies to enhance sleep hygiene include avoiding the use of cell phones in bed, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and limiting caffeine intake in the late afternoon. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can improve your quality of sleep and potentially reduce your risk for chronic diseases down the line.
Dr. Mallika Marshall is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has been the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for more than 20 years. She is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Marshall is actively involved in caring for patients with COVID-19 at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center. Additionally, she serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and is a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications.
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