Sleep This Way to Add Almost Five Years to Your Life

Quality sleep habits ensure you wake up feeling rested and ready to tackle the day ahead. But good sleep does much more than just provide energy. Experts have identified five sleep factors that may extend your lifespan by almost five years and help cultivate a variety of substantial health benefits. The best news? You can adopt these behaviors at any age. 

Important Sleep Factors

Good sleep is not just a necessity of life — it’s a requirement for good health. A 2023 study found that higher-quality sleep helps lower cardiovascular problems and ensure better health outcomes. Researchers also determined that five sleep factors are essential for a good night’s rest. 

1. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night

2. Having trouble falling asleep no more than twice per week 

3. Difficulty staying asleep no more than twice per week

4. Getting to bed naturally without the use of sleep medications 

5. Waking up feeling rested at least five times per week 

People who successfully met most or all five criteria were more likely to have longer lifespans than those who fell short in any or all categories, with men living roughly five years longer and women living around two to three years longer. 

How to Improve Your Sleep

So, how do you make positive changes to your sleep schedule? Start by implementing scientifically proven methods into your sleep routine to ensure a good night’s rest. Plan for a solid eight hours of sleep each night in a dark and cool sleep environment with some sort of white noise — all factors to help you both fall asleep and stay asleep. Instead of taking sleep medications, start practicing relaxation techniques or meditation an hour before bed to encourage your body to prepare for sleep.

Researchers also recommend tracking your sleep and how you feel when you wake up. If you feel restless in the morning three or more times per week, it may be time to talk to a doctor or a sleep consultant to find out if you need support.

_{Featured Image Credit: puhimec/ iStock}