Sleep quality and not sleep time is crucial for performance

Sleep duration with less impact than the sleep quality

Sleep disorders can have far-reaching consequences, with a sleep deficit being directly linked to impairment of performance by most people. But apparently the quality of sleep is far more crucial than the pure sleep duration. This was the finding of scientists from Jacobs University Bremen in a recent study.

"In order to be fit and efficient during the day, a healthy, low-fat diet and undisturbed sleep play an important role," explain the experts. Of less importance, however, is the duration of sleep. Sonia Lippke and colleagues from Jacobs University Bremen. Thus, even with long sleep times, the performance may be impaired if the quality of sleep is inadequate. The researchers published their study results in the journal "Health Behavior & Policy Review".

Interactions examined

The research group around the professor of health psychology, Dr. med. Sonia Lippke has in the current study, the "interrelations between quality of life and well-being on the one hand and sleep and nutrition on the other examined." The study has focused specifically on two aspects: the fat content of the diet and the duration and quality of sleep, the scientists report , In total, 126 adults were interviewed for the study, who were older than 50 years.

Impaired sleep with far-reaching consequences

Since sleep disorders and sleep deprivation are considered risk factors for a number of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems or diabetes, sleep has recently become the focus of scientific research. So far, however, little was known about the relationship between sleep and various lifestyle factors such as nutrition, report Prof. Lippke and colleagues. In the current study, the researchers have dedicated themselves to the mutual influences in this area.

Positive influence of a good quality of sleep

According to the announcement of the Jacobs University Bremen, the positive influence of reduced-fat nutrition and undisturbed (considered qualitatively good) sleep on daytime performance was striking. On the other hand, given these two aspects, the duration of sleep seemed to be of lesser importance, according to the University. "Seven to eight hours of sleep are considered sufficient, but it is particularly important that they are restorative," emphasize Prof. Lippke and colleagues. (Fp)