Benefits of Increased Sleep for Health
Connection Between Sleep and Health Risks
Research published in The Journal of Sleep Research highlights a significant link between insufficient sleep and a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and increased mortality rates.
Study Overview
In a recent investigation, researchers sought to explore the health benefits associated with increased sleep duration. This study, conducted by a team from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, involved a comprehensive analysis of various published articles that discussed the advantages of extending sleep.
Methodology
The researchers reviewed seven studies that examined different sleep interventions aimed at increasing the amount of sleep adults receive. A total of 138 participants were included in the studies, which varied in duration from three days to six weeks. Eligibility criteria for participants included being healthy without any underlying medical conditions, being healthy yet short-sleeping, being obese and short-sleeping, or having high blood pressure while experiencing reduced sleep hours.
Findings
The studies consistently demonstrated that increasing sleep duration—ranging from 21 to 177 additional minutes—improves overall health and well-being. Specifically, the results indicated enhancements in cardiometabolic outcomes, including better insulin sensitivity and appetite regulation.
Implications for Future Research
This analysis lays a strong foundation for further studies examining the impact of longer sleep durations on health outcomes.
References
Henst, R.H.P., Pienaar, P.R., Roden, L.C., Rae, D.E. (2019). The effects of sleep extension on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review. Journal of Sleep Research. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jsr.12865
Smith, P. (2019). Extending sleep may lower cardiometabolic risk. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-06/w-esm060419.php