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Feeling older than your actual age may be a sign that you’re not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research.
A study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation and published in the journal Sleep found that adults who feel older than their chronological age are more likely to report symptoms of insomnia, poor sleep and daytime fatigue.
The study involved more than 3,100 adults, who were asked a simple question: “How old do you feel?”
HERE ARE 90% OF AMERICANS WHO DON’T SLEEP AT NIGHT, PROFESSIONALLY.
The researchers then compared the participants’ responses to measures of sleep quality, sleep consistency and daytime functioning.
People who feel older than their actual age consistently report poorer sleep and greater sleep-related disability than those who feel younger or closer to their chronological age.
Feeling older than your actual age may indicate you’re not getting enough quality sleep, new research suggests. (Stock)
The researchers also found that people who felt older than their age were more likely to report poorer physical health.
Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychiatrist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings are consistent with what he often sees in his work.
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“I’ve worked with a lot of people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They’re tired, mentally foggy, less patient, unmotivated and generally not working at their best,” Alpert said. “Poor sleep is often a big part of the picture.”
Experts say not getting enough sleep can make daily demands feel overwhelming and reduce a person’s ability to concentrate. (Stock)
Not getting enough sleep can make everyday responsibilities more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress and maintain their normal energy levels, Alpert said.
Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a sense of premature aging.
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“Many people think that feeling old is an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the problem is that they just can’t sleep,” says Alpert.
For that reason, he suggested looking at sleep habits before assuming fatigue and low energy are the effects of aging.
The findings showed that people who felt older than their chronological age consistently experienced worse sleep and sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their actual age. (Stock)
In the meantime, Alpert said the findings provide a reminder that fatigue shouldn’t automatically be blamed on aging.
Although the findings were noteworthy, there are several limitations that should be considered.
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The study relied on self-reported survey responses, meaning participants provided information about both their perceived age and sleep habits. The observational design also means that the study cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.
