Getting enough sleep could lower your risk of an early death

Sleep is essential, and one of the most important parts of the day. The NHS recommends adults should get between seven to nine hours of sleep every night, while children need considerably

more. Not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of developing dangerous conditions like dementia, and could even lead to an early grave.  Ironically, lack of sleep can also lead to

insomnia, where people find it difficult to fall asleep and wake up during the night. New research suggests only sleeping for short periods, especially over the weekend, could increase the

chance of an early death by a significant amount.  Published yesterday in the Journal of Sleep Research, the Swedish study found sleeping for less than five hours a night over the weekend

increased risk of an early death by more than 50 per cent. The study, which included almost 44,000 participants, concluded that “short weekend sleep was associated with an increased

mortality in subjects less than 65 years old. “In the same age group, short sleep (or long sleep) on both weekdays and weekend showed increased [risk of death]. “Possibly, long weekend sleep

may compensate for short weekday sleep.” Speaking to Express.co.uk, Torbjorn Akerstedt who led the study, said there was no single factor causing death early. The Sleep Council, an

organisation promoting healthier sleep, says shut-eye is essential to “replenish energy stores” and “make repairs, while our minds organise and store the memories of the day before,” on its

website. “The amount of sleep you need depends on your age, sex, health and other elements, and sleep cycles change as we grow older.” It suggests over 65s need seven to eight hours sleep a

day, while 18 - 65 year olds need seven to nine hours a day. There are several different ways to make falling asleep easier. ‘The sleep guru’, hypnotherapist Anandi suggests lying on your

back and putting your legs up a wall to help you drift off. Staying in the position for 10 minutes helps to calm down your mind, and prepare you for a restful night’s sleep, she said. “This

yoga pose’s name is Viparita Karani,” said Anandi. “I recommend legs up the wall to nearly everyone as it has such a heavenly rejuvenating power and will bring you back to earth after all

that running and rushing. “Everything will calm down including the mind and the nervous system.”