Poor Sleep Linked to Feeling Older Than Your Age, Study Suggests

Feeling older than your chronological age might indicate you’re lacking quality sleep. New research led by the National Sleep Foundation, published in Sleep, suggests adults feeling older than their actual age report more insomnia, irregular sleep patterns, and daytime fatigue.

Study Insights

The study surveyed over 3,100 adults with the question, “How old do you feel?” Researchers compared responses with sleep quality, consistency, and daytime functioning measures. Results showed those feeling older reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment compared to those feeling younger or closer to their actual age.

Impact on Health

Feeling older also correlated with reports of poorer physical health. Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist from New York, noted these findings align with observations from his practice. People feeling older often experience exhaustion, mental fog, impatience, and reduced motivation, not performing at their best.

Understanding the Consequences

Insufficient sleep complicates daily responsibilities and affects concentration, stress management, and energy levels. Alpert explained these issues might lead to premature aging feelings over time. While some assume feeling older is a natural aging process, chronic sleep deprivation often plays a significant role.

Alpert advised examining sleep habits when experiencing fatigue and low energy, rather than attributing them to aging. The study highlights the importance of quality sleep in maintaining youthful feelings and energy levels.

Study Limitations

The research relies on self-reported survey data, meaning participants disclosed both perceived age and sleep habits. This observational design cannot definitively state whether poor sleep influences perceived age or if feeling older affects sleep quality. Therefore, findings should be considered with caution.

The study reminds readers not to automatically link fatigue with aging without considering sleep quality as a potential factor.

Kelly McGreal contributes as a production assistant with Fox News Digital’s lifestyle team, offering insights into health and lifestyle topics.