The Link Between Time Spent in REM Sleep and Disease Risk
A comprehensive study examining the effects of different sleep stages on health has revealed the importance of REM and deep sleep.
According to a new study, spending more time in REM sleep—when dreams occur—is associated with a lower risk of 83 different diseases, highlighting the decisive role of sleep quality and structure on health.
Scope and Methodology of the Study
Researchers from Peking University and Capital Medical University examined the sleep data of more than 95,000 individuals to investigate the connection between different sleep stages and disease risk.
Published in the journal PLoS Medicine, the study tracked participants' sleep patterns for one week using wrist-worn devices, and participants were followed for an average of 8.9 years.
Health Effects of REM Sleep
According to the results obtained, spending more time in REM sleep was associated with a lower risk of 83 diseases.
Among these diseases are major disorders such as heart failure, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and Alzheimer's.
Deep Sleep and Physical Recovery
Spending more time in deep sleep, where brain activity slows down and the body physically recovers, also lowers the risk of certain diseases.
This condition was associated with a lower risk of seven diseases, including type 2 diabetes, depression, sleep apnea, and Parkinson's.
Negative Effects of Time Spent Awake
Researchers also determined that staying awake for longer periods during the night is linked to certain health problems.
It was found that this situation is connected to a higher risk of health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stomach pain.
Experts' Warnings and Limitations of the Study
The study showed that individuals sleeping 6 to 8 hours per night have a healthier sleep pattern and a lower risk of various diseases.
However, experts emphasize that the results do not mean that increasing REM sleep directly prevents diseases.