New research conducted at Penn State reveals the long-term health consequences of chronic sleep deprivation. The study examined the sleep habits of nearly 3,700 adults in the U.S. and identified four distinct “sleep types”: good sleepers, insomniacs, individuals who catch up on sleep on weekends, and habitual nappers. It was discovered that individuals with insomnia were at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and frailty over time.
The study also revealed that people were unlikely to alter their sleep patterns over a 10-year period, suggesting that sleep is deeply ingrained in our lifestyles and that many individuals may not fully grasp the importance of sleep for overall health. To improve sleep hygiene, experts recommend avoiding the use of cell phones in bed, engaging in regular exercise, and refraining from consuming caffeine in the late afternoon.
Dr. Mallika Marshall is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has been the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for more than two decades. She is certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital where she provides care for COVID-19 patients. Along with her roles at CBS Boston/WBZ-TV, Dr. Marshall is a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing arm of Harvard Medical School where she provides valuable insights into various health topics to her audience.
