TOO little sleep increases your risk of deadly diseases – and scientists have discovered the minimum you need every night.
A study found that people are 25 percent more likely to die before the age of 75 if they don’t get enough kip.
Less than five hours a night can put your health at risk.
People who sleep poorly are 40 percent more likely to develop a serious illness.
cancer, heart disease and diabetes mellitus all of these can be triggered or exacerbated by fatigue.
Scientists from University College London studied the data of 7,000 Britons aged 50, 60 and 70 years.
Lead author Dr Severin Sabia said: “More than half of older people now have at least two chronic conditions, and this is proving to be a major public health challenge.
“As people get older, their sleep habits and patterns change, but seven to eight hours of sleep a night is recommended.”
NHS guiding principles say people over 65 “need a little less sleep” but still recommend seven to eight hours.
A UCL study found that even six to seven hours, less than the recommended amount, is better for your health than five.
The data showed that people who slept less than five hours a night in their 50s, 60s or 70s were up to 40 percent more likely to have a host of serious health problems compared to those who slept between five and seven hours.
So little sleep at the age of 50 increases the risk of death by the age of 75 by a quarter, experts note in the journal PLOS Medicine.
Former US President Donald Trump was told by his doctors spend only four or five hours take a nap every night.
Doctors debate whether some people known as “short sleepers” can survive on less sleep than the average person, but most of us need more.
Jo Whitmore, senior nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Getting enough sleep allows your body to rest.
“There are many ways that poor sleep can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke, including by increasing inflammation and raising blood pressure.
“This study adds to the growing body of research highlighting the importance of good sleep.”
