"The Link Between Sleep and Aging: Vitality and Well-Being"

Poor Sleep and Its Impact on Aging: What the Research Says

Functional ability, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is crucial for healthy aging. It involves a person's capacity to meet basic needs, engage in relationships, and make decisions. In addition to functional ability, intrinsic capacity plays a significant role in aging well. This includes all mental and physical capacities that individuals can draw on, such as walking, thinking, seeing, hearing, and remembering.

A recent study, set to be published in the journal Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, sheds light on the importance of sleep in relation to intrinsic capacity and healthy aging. Conducted by a group of longevity and medical experts from Taiwan, the study found a positive association between adequate sleep and two key contributors to intrinsic capacity: vitality and psychological well-being.

Vitality refers to the balance of physical and mental functioning in the body, according to a previous study. On the other hand, psychological well-being encompasses a person's ability to navigate life experiences, handle stressors, and contribute to their community. These factors are vital in promoting positive health attributes to prevent disability, as emphasized by the WHO's framework for healthy aging.

In the study, 810 adults aged 50 and older were enrolled to examine the relationship between their sleep habits and intrinsic capacity. Participants were categorized into four sleep types based on a detailed sleep questionnaire: worst sleepers, short and inefficient sleepers, inefficient sleepers, and robust sleepers. The findings revealed that individuals with poor sleep habits were more than 2.5 times likely to have low overall intrinsic capacity, putting them at a higher risk of adverse health outcomes like falls, institutionalization, functional deterioration, and mortality.

The researchers concluded that promoting healthy sleep habits is crucial for overall well-being and healthy aging. Sleep is not a luxury but a necessity, and prioritizing adequate rest is essential for maintaining intrinsic capacity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 7 hours of sleep per night for adults and suggests adopting healthy bedtime routines, limiting screen time, following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, managing stress, and seeking professional advice if needed.

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