Insufficient sleep is related to perceptions of getting old, which can affect health

A study led by the University of Exeter found that those who think they sleep the worst also feel that they are getting older and feel more negative about their physical and mental aging

The lead author of the study, Serena Sabbatini of the University of Exeter, said: "As we grow older, many aspects of our lives experience positive and negative changes

The researchers surveyed 4,482 people over the age of 50 who were part of the PROTECT study

The research team noticed that many PROTECT participants commented on their relationship with sleep in the research standard questionnaire

Another comment wrote: "I have chronic pain and sleep very little, which has a great impact on my life

Because of these comments, the research team decided to conduct a questionnaire to study sleep problems

Professor Clive Ballard of the University of Exeter said: "There is growing evidence that sleep plays a vital role in healthy aging, and this research is an important part of it

Journal Reference :

1. Serena Sabatini, Obioha C Ukoumunne, Clive Ballard, Rachel Collins, Anne Corbett, Helen Brooker, Linda Clare.