Flash News

Yesterday's injury in Durrës, the 36-year-old was with two minors in the car when he was shot

AMP arrests two police officers in flagrante delicto and suspends another from duty

Bomb alert in a hotel in Tirana, what the police discovered

Video/ Bomb alarm in the parking lot of a hotel in Tirana, the police react

Shots fired in Durres, one injured

POLITIKOFF

The myth of 'eight hours of sleep' is debunked, here's what you need to consider

Politiko 2025-05-30 22:01:55

The myth of 'eight hours of sleep' is debunked, here's what you

For decades, the advice repeated as a refrain by doctors and experts has been clear: eight hours of sleep a night is essential for good health. But a new international study, led by the University of British Columbia, comes to question this theory.

Analyzing data from more than 70 countries, the researchers came to a surprising conclusion: there is no direct link between sleep hours and good health. In fact, countries where people sleep more aren't necessarily healthier, and sometimes the opposite happens.

One of the most intriguing finds comes from Japan. Despite the fact that the Japanese sleep less than most other nations, they have the highest life expectancy in the world and show a low level of severe chronic disease.

"I've lived in Japan for years and I've always been amazed at how little sleep people get there," says Steven Hine, professor of psychology and member of the research team. "And yet, they are among the healthiest people in the world."

On the other hand, in some countries where sleep is longer and more common, such as some regions in Latin America, a higher rate of obesity and diabetes has been observed.

In the second phase of the study, which involved over 5,000 individuals from 20 different countries, the researchers went beyond statistics and looked at the personal feeling of rest and the perception of quality sleep. The result was clear: perceived sleep quality had more impact on health than actual duration.

Those who stated that they had slept 'well' regardless of whether they had slept five or eight hours showed better physical and mental health. Meanwhile, those who slept a lot often had hidden signs of health problems, such as depression, sleep apnea or metabolic diseases.

Increased stress, intensifying modern life, and prolonged exposure to electronic devices have caused more and more people to suffer from insomnia and sleep disorders. These are not only separate problems, but directly affect cardiovascular health, the immune system and mental health.

The study also raises an issue that is often overlooked: cultural expectations of sleep. What is considered 'normal' varies from one country to another. In Japan, people wake up early and are active despite a few hours of sleep, while in many Western European countries, the social norm is a longer and more structured sleep.

"When people sleep in accordance with the cultural rhythm of their society, they tend to feel better and be healthier," the report's conclusions say.