Study Finds Adults Who Feel Older Report Worse Sleep and Health

Adults who said they felt older than their chronological age were more likely to report insomnia symptoms, irregular sleep patterns, and daytime fatigue, according to a study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation. The study, published in the journal Sleep, surveyed more than 3,100 adults.

” Researchers compared the answers with measures of sleep quality, sleep consistency, and daytime functioning.

People who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their chronological age. They were also more likely to report poorer physical health. Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings align with what he frequently sees in his practice.

“I’ve worked with many people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They’re exhausted, mentally foggy, less patient, less motivated and generally not functioning at their best,” Alpert said. ” Inadequate sleep can make everyday responsibilities feel more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress, and maintain their usual energy levels, Alpert said.

Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a feeling of premature aging. “Many people assume feeling older is just an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the issue is simply that they’re chronically sleep-deprived,” Alpert said. The study relied on self-reported survey responses and used an observational design, meaning the research cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.