Sleep is one of the most crucial aspects for maintaining good health and aging well. A lack of proper sleep can lead to a host of physical and mental problems, from memory loss to depression, heart diseases and diabetes. Now new mothers can complain that their lack of sleep is aging them faster – by seven years on average! These findings come from an investigation by the University of California, Los Angeles.
Moreover, the negative consequences of losing sleep extend beyond that. According to researchers, lack of sleep might make mothers more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and even cancer. The study analyzed data from 33 mothers who were observed while pregnant, as well during the first year of being mothers. In order to determine the effect of sleep on their biological development, scientists analyzed their DNA.
It was revealed that the biological age of the mothers who slept less than seven hours per night was different by 3 to 7 years compared to mothers who had a full night’s sleep. More than that, the DNA pieces in the white blood cells were shorter, which can be connected to other health issues.
“Sleep health is just as vital to overall health as diet and exercise. The early months of postpartum sleep deprivation could have a lasting effect on physical health. We know from a large body of research that sleeping less than seven hours a night is detrimental to health and increases the risk of age-related diseases,” explained lead author Judith Carroll.
Being a new parent is hard. The first few weeks can be overwhelming as you try to accommodate everyone else’s schedule, learn new skills, and adjust to life at home. New mothers are often advised to make themselves a priority in the first few weeks after giving birth, sometimes, the breastfeeding process can be quite stressful and a breast pump will do us lots of help. Sleep also helps mothers recover emotionally from giving birth and helps babies develop their own sleep patterns.
