A new study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation, published in the journal Sleep, found that adults who feel older than their chronological age are more likely to report insomnia symptoms, irregular sleep patterns, and daytime fatigue. The study involved over 3,100 adults who were asked how old they felt, with their responses compared to measures of sleep quality, consistency, and daytime functioning.
Key Findings on Perceived Age and Sleep
Participants who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment. They were also more likely to report poorer physical health. Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist, noted that chronic sleep deprivation often contributes to feelings of premature aging, affecting concentration, stress management, and motivation.
Gender Differences in Sleep Perception
A separate study published in the journal Sleep Advances found that women are more likely to complain about poor sleep quality despite objectively sleeping better than men. The research analyzed data from nearly 500 participants, measuring brain activity, breathing, and movements during sleep. Women rated their sleep quality as poorer than men, even though objective measurements showed they slept better. Dr. Torbjörn Åkerstedt, professor emeritus at Karolinska Institutet, suggested that men may not perceive or remember short awakenings as well as women, leading to their more positive self-assessment of sleep quality.
Age-Related Sleep Patterns
The study found that differences in sleep between men and women become more pronounced with age. Older men experienced less deep sleep and more awakenings per hour, while women's objective sleep deteriorated less but they continued to report poorer sleep quality than men. The research also noted that women estimated the number of times they woke up during the night more accurately than men, who underestimated their awakenings.
Implications of Sleep Quality
Inadequate sleep can make everyday responsibilities feel more challenging and leave individuals struggling to concentrate, manage stress, and maintain energy levels. Over time, these challenges can contribute to a feeling of premature aging. The findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep quality to improve overall well-being and perceived age.