Sleep deprivation equals seven years of ageing

Sleep deprivation equals seven years of ageing

Feeling tired is something many New Zealanders are familiar with - 55% of Kiwi’s say they never wake up refreshed. Studies have shown that sleep deprived people appear less healthy and less attractive compared to when they are rested. Lack of sleep can also make us age faster - women and men who sleep less than the recommended 6-8 hours per night over a five-year period are subject to an accelerated mental decline that is equivalent to seven years of ageing.

This Friday March 15th is World Sleep Day, an annual event organised by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) to raise awareness of sleep-related problems. This year’s theme Good Sleep-Healthy Ageing aims to raise awareness of sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and insomnia and promote healthy sleep habits.

Currently 13% of New Zealanders aged 20-59 suffer from insomnia – symptoms include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and being unable to function properly throughout the day.

“Chronic sleep loss may speed the onset or increase the severity of age-related conditions such as type two diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and memory loss,” says Sleep Specialist Dr. Alex Bartle. “Getting regular, good sleep is as important to our bodies as regular exercise.”

Snoring can be a common cause of sleep deprivation for sufferers and their partners. It is also a symptom of a more serious sleep disorder - sleep apnoea. This condition causes dangerous pauses in breathing at night. By depriving the body of oxygen, sleep apnoea has been linked to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer. Commonly left undiagnosed, doctors are encouraging sufferers and their partners to seek help if they become aware of the symptoms.

Sleep specialist Dr. Alex Bartle says, “Sleep deprivation and sleep disorders are becoming far too familiar in our fast-paced 24-hour lifestyles. If you are feeling consistently tired and waking up not feeling refreshed then it is important to recognise there is a problem.”

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