Sleep as one of the main pillars of longevity

The fundamental pillars for longevity are nutrition, physical activity, sleep, toxin control, stress management, and maintaining relationships; however, sleep has currently been categorically related as one of the most important pillars of lifestyle habits that benefit health.

According to pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Jessica Polese, sleep plays a crucial role in health and longevity, and recent research highlights the importance of this aspect for a healthy life and increased lifespan.

According to a study conducted by researchers at Harvard University and published by the American College of Cardiology, a non-profit organization that credentials cardiovascular specialists in the United States, sleeping well can lead men to live 4.7 years longer and women 2.4 years longer.

For the doctor, it is worth understanding how our body functions with a good night's sleep. “Sleep plays a fundamental role in cognitive function and memory consolidation. During sleep, the brain processes the information of the day and strengthens the neural connections important for learning and memory storage. Good sleep quality improves concentration, cognitive performance, and decision-making, contributing to a longer and more productive life,” she explains.

Moreover, the immune system functions properly. During sleep, the body produces proteins that fight infections and inflammation, strengthening the body's defenses; deep sleep helps regulate blood pressure, preserving heart and blood vessel health, and preventing cardiovascular problems; and also hormonal regulation. “Lack of sleep or insufficient sleep can lead to hormonal imbalances, such as increased stress hormone cortisol and reduced hormones that promote well-being, like melatonin. These hormonal imbalances can negatively impact overall health and longevity,” says the doctor.

Jessica, who attended the XX Congress of Sleep Medicine in May, says that the topic was widely discussed among the attending physicians who emphasized the new role of good sleep for individuals and its importance for increased lifespan.