What’s Your Sleep Type? The Answer Could Impact Your Health

What’s your sleep type? The answer may say a lot about your long-term health. In a new study, researchers identified four distinct sleep patterns in about 3,700 middle-aged adults. The participants reported on their sleep habits and chronic health conditions over a decade. After analyzing the data, the researchers discovered four major types:

1. Good sleepers: These individuals get optimal sleep duration and quality on a regular basis.

2. Weekend catch-up sleepers: Typically short sleepers during the week, these individuals get more shut-eye on weekends and holidays.

3. Insomnia sleepers: These individuals have trouble falling asleep, experience short sleep duration, and have high daytime tiredness.

4. Nappers: Mostly good sleepers, but they take frequent daytime naps.

The results showed that insomnia sleepers had 72% to 188% higher odds of developing heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Being a napper was related to increased risks for diabetes, cancer, and frailty. However, being a weekend catch-up sleeper was not associated with chronic conditions.

The lead author emphasizes the need for more education about good sleep hygiene, including not using phones in bed, limiting afternoon caffeine, and exercising. He suggests that better sleeping habits can lead to significant improvements in social relationships, work performance, long-term healthy behaviors, and healthy aging.