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Problems associated with short sleep: bridging the gap between laboratory and epidemiological studies
Michael A Grandner1, Nirav P Patel, Philip R Gehrman
1Center for Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology, Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S. 31st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. grandner@upenn.edu
Sleep Medicine Reviews
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Short sleep duration, defined as 6 hours or less per night, is linked to adverse health outcomes. Further research into "short sleepers" is crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Growing evidence links reduced sleep duration to negative health outcomes.
- Epidemiological data suggest associations between shorter self-reported sleep and adverse health.
- The concept of
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the consequences of short sleep.
- To explore the heterogeneity of individuals classified as
Main Methods:
- Summarized laboratory studies on neurobehavioral performance, metabolism, obesity, and psychological health.
- Reviewed epidemiological studies on mortality, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and psychosocial stress.
- Examined studies of verified short sleepers.
Main Results:
- Laboratory studies indicate negative consequences of acute sleep reduction.
- Epidemiological data associate shorter sleep duration with increased health risks.
- Verified short sleepers may represent a heterogeneous group with varying sleep needs.
Conclusions:
- Short sleep duration is associated with significant health risks.
- Further research is needed to understand the diverse impacts of short sleep.
- Clarifying terminology and exploring verified short sleepers are key future directions.
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