Feeling older than your actual age may be more harmful than previously thought, according to a new study published on Tuesday. The research, conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, found that adults who perceive themselves as older than their chronological age report poorer sleep quality, more insomnia symptoms, and reduced daytime functioning.
The study analysed data from nearly 3,200 adults and found that those who felt older experienced more sleep-related impairments, lower overall sleep health, and less sleep regularity. These associations remained significant even after accounting for chronological age, depression, and anxiety, said Dr Joseph Dzierzewski, senior vice president of research and scientific affairs at the National Sleep Foundation.
While the researchers did not identify a causal mechanism, previous studies have linked feeling older to premature death and feeling younger to slower brain ageing. The findings add to growing concerns about sleep deprivation in the UK and US, where federal health officials recommend 7–9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Approximately 12% of American adults suffer from insomnia, a chronic sleep disorder.
The study also highlighted the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health. People with insomnia are ten times more likely to have depression and 17 times more likely to have anxiety. Dr Andrea Goldstein-Piekarski of Stanford Medicine noted that sleep and mood influence each other, often creating a vicious cycle.
The researchers suggest that how people perceive their own ageing could have important implications for sleep and overall well-being. “Understanding subjective age could help inform future approaches to support healthier sleep and quality of life across the lifespan,” said Dr Dzierzewski. The findings challenge clinicians to consider patients’ perceived age when addressing sleep issues.
The study is set to be presented at the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Baltimore later this month.
