A comprehensive study published in Nature Medicine reveals over 12,400 significant connections between sleep characteristics and the functioning of 16 physiological systems.
Led by Eran Segal of the Weizmann Institute, the research analyzed 448 sleep parameters from 16,812 nights of home monitoring. Data from 6,366 participants aged 40–70 showed that deep sleep decreases by 0.13–0.14% per year, while light sleep increases by 0.18–0.23%. Men experience obstructive sleep apnea earlier, typically from age 40, while women reach this threshold after 55 due to hormonal changes.
The strongest correlations emerged between the peripheral apnea-hypopnea index (pAHI) and visceral fat, triglyceride levels, and bone density. Ugo Faraguna from the University of Pisa noted, “Sleep parameters may be key determinants of health, potentially affecting various physiological functions.” Sleep quality proved to be a stronger predictor of insulin resistance and lipid levels than traditional health markers, with lifestyle factors playing a greater role than age or body composition.
Gender differences in sleep-related health risks were also identified. Women showed stronger associations with hypertension, osteopenia, and prediabetes, while men had higher correlations with allergies and back pain. However, expected links between sleep and liver or kidney function were weaker than anticipated. Giorgio Gilestro of Imperial College London remarked, “This is another large-scale study that disproves the myth that we all need 8 hours of sleep a night.”
The findings emphasize sleep’s crucial role in overall health, reinforcing the need for a personalized approach to sleep assessment and management.
