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In the elderly, it is the quality of sleep, not the quantity of sleep, that plays a big role
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In their latest study, specialists from one of the universities of Chicago have proven that sleep problems in older people begin due to poor quality sleep, and not due to a lack of it, as was previously thought.
More than seven hundred people took part in the scientific experiment, who told specialists about the quality and duration of their sleep. Each of the study participants was attached to a special sensor that monitored sleep. As a result, scientists were able to find out that most elderly people slept enough (on average, just over seven hours a day). However, according to the survey, 13% of study participants almost always felt tired in the morning. About 12% had problems falling asleep, 30% - frequent night awakenings. Also, 13% of elderly people who participated in the study noted that they woke up quite early and then could not fall asleep.
As a result, the experts came to the conclusion that most people in old age sleep the required amount of time, however, there are problems with the quality of sleep. The experts also noted that the part of the participants who often woke up at night had a longer sleep. According to the study, the basis of insomnia is precisely the quality of sleep and when treating this disease, it is this reason that should be taken into account.
Insufficient or poor sleep can trigger various diseases, as proven by numerous studies by specialists from all over the world.
In one of their studies, scientists in the UK have identified another reason why you should pay more attention to the quality of your sleep.
The study was led by John Macbeth, who with his colleagues conducted a long-term observation (more than three years) of volunteers aged 50 years and older. In total, more than 4 thousand people took part in the experiment, of whom about 800 people began to complain of musculoskeletal pain after three years.
As a result, experts came to the conclusion that poor sleep quality can cause the development of fibromyalgia, a disease that affects about 4% of the world's population in old age. Among the study participants, experts found a higher percentage of fibromyalgia (15% of women and 10% of men). With age, an increase in the percentage of prevalence of the disease was noted (it increased to 80%).
As experts noted, 800 people who complained of musculoskeletal pain had previously had problems with pain of a different nature. Experts also warn that the risk of developing musculoskeletal pain is higher in those who experience chronic fatigue or regularly do not get enough sleep.
Experts recommend that those who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders eat more rice.
Studies have shown that a serving of rice before bed helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
According to scientists, rice, due to its high glycemic index, increases the production of tryptophan in the body (a protein that is responsible for sleep).
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