Why Better Sleep Can Help You Live Longer

Staff
By Staff
2 Min Read

Why Sleep Quality Matters

Sleep quality involves more than how many hours you spend in bed. “Good sleep efficiency means spending most of the time in bed actually sleeping, typically at least 85 percent,” Clocchiatti-Tuozzo says. Sleep quality also entails spending sufficient time in each stage of the sleep cycle.

So how do you know if you’re getting enough of the quality sleep that’s linked to longevity? “People who wake up feeling rested and can stay alert during the day are generally getting sufficient restorative sleep,” Clocchiatti-Tuozzo says.

In contrast, the following are signs you may not be getting enough quality sleep, per Clocchiatti-Tuozzo:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Frequent nighttime awakenings
  • Persistent fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness

You might also notice a decline in your ability to handle mental tasks like thinking, learning, making decisions, and paying attention, Liu says.

If you’re concerned about your sleep quality, connect with your primary care provider or a sleep medicine physician for evaluation and treatment. They may recommend behavioral or lifestyle changes to improve your sleep. In addition, they may suggest screening for sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition that causes breathing pauses during sleep and can lead to serious health issues.

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