Reducing or Increasing Sleep Leads to More Deaths from Different Causes

Dec. 3, 2007 – Reducing sleep for certain people can lead to increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, but, increasing sleep for others can increase their risk of dying from non-cardiovascular problems. What adults need, say these researchers, is consistently sleeping seven or eight hours per night, which is a challenge for many senior citizens.

The study published in the December 1 issue of the journal SLEEP claims to be the first to show that both a decrease and an increase in sleep duration are associated with an elevated risk of mortality by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular means, respectively.

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An earlier report from this same study said the risk of death doubles from too little or too much sleep (see link in sidebar, which has more details).

The study, authored by Jane E. Ferrie, PhD, of the University College London Medical School in London, U.K., focused on 10,308 participants between 35 and 55 years of age.

Phase 1, conducted between 1985 and 1988, involved a clinical examination and a self-administered questionnaire. Phase 3 (1992-1993) also included a clinical examination and questionnaire.

A decrease in sleep duration among participants who were sleeping six, seven or eight hours at baseline was associated with a 110 percent excess risk of cardiovascular mortality.

However, an increase in sleep duration among those sleeping seven or eight hours at baseline was associated with a 110 percent excess risk of non-cardiovascular mortality.

“In terms of prevention, our findings indicate that consistently sleeping seven or eight hours per night is optimal for health,” said Dr. Ferrie.

“The indication that mortality rates are lower in participants who slept five to six hours or less at Phase 1 but who reported extended hours of sleep at Phase 3 implies that increasing sleep duration in short sleepers is likely to have health benefits.

"In contrast to this, the finding that an increased duration of sleep among those sleeping seven to eight hours is associated with higher levels of mortality implies that sleep restriction should at least be considered.”

On average, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well-rested.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) offers the following tips on how to get a good night’s sleep:

● Follow a consistent bedtime routine.

● Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.

● Get a full night’s sleep every night.

● Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medicine that has a stimulant, prior to bedtime.

● Do not go to bed hungry, but don’t eat a big meal before bedtime either.

● Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime.

● Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool.

● Get up at the same time every morning.

Those who believe they have a sleep disorder should consult with their primary care physician or a sleep specialist.

Editor’s Notes:

SLEEP is the official journal of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, a joint venture of the AASM and the Sleep Research Society.

SleepEducation.com, a patient education Web site created by the AASM, provides information about various sleep disorders, the forms of treatment available, recent news on the topic of sleep, sleep studies that have been conducted and a listing of sleep facilities.

>> American Academy of Sleep Medicine

More Links to articles on sleep in SeniorJournal.com

Mistake for Doctors to Neglect Insomnia Treatment in Older Patients

Excessive daytime sleepiness is best predictor of poor health

January 3, 2007

Tips for Senior Citizens to Get a Good Nights Sleep Offered by Longevity Center

New report issued: The Role of Sleep In Healthy Aging

December 7, 2006

Sleep Studies of Older People Find Behavioral Treatment Helps Insomnia; Women Endangered by Restless Legs

October 2, 2006

Sleep Evaluation Should be Routine Medical Care Says Editorial

September 18, 2006