New research from Penn State reveals that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to long-term health consequences. A study of nearly 3,700 adults in the U.S. classified individuals into four categories: good sleepers, insomniacs, weekend catch-up sleepers, and habitual nappers. The results showed that those with insomnia were at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and frailty over time. However, weekend catch-up sleepers did not show a significant association with these chronic conditions.
The study also found that most people did not change their sleep patterns over a 10-year period, suggesting that sleep habits are deeply ingrained in our lifestyles. Dr. Mallika Marshall, an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has been the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for more than 20 years, emphasizes the importance of enhancing sleep hygiene to improve overall health. She recommends avoiding cell phone use in bed, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and limiting caffeine intake in the late afternoon as simple strategies to improve sleep quality.
Dr. Marshall is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is actively involved in caring for patients with COVID-19 at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center and serves on staff at Harvard Medical School. As a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications, she continues to educate audiences about the importance of healthy sleep habits for long-term health outcomes.
