According to new research published in the journal Sleep, adults who restricted sleep by two or more hours each night were more at risk for respiratory illnesses like flu and colds, but only when they reported sleep quality. This is the first time that sleep quality has been shown to have an essential role in the risk of infection.
For the study, the research team followed new military recruits and tracked their sleep patterns and health in the weeks during basic training, when recruits followed strict “to bed” and “wake-up” times. Over a thousand army recruits were involved in the study, and a doctor diagnosed respiratory infections during training.
On average, recruits had two fewer hours of sleep during military training than in civilian life. However, they still rated their sleep as “good quality.” The data showed that sleep restriction only increased respiratory infection in recruits reporting poor sleep quality. Those with good sleep quality were more protected against respiratory infection during sleep restriction, even when sleep quantity was restricted.
Researchers Dr. Ross Roberts said, “Although the research was conducted with male and female military recruits, the findings have wider relevance as many people chose to or find themselves sleeping fewer than the recommended number of hours, due to late night or early morning work and family commitments.”
Providing Optimal Sleep and Restfulness
As this research shows, getting quality sleep is vital for many aspects of health, and previous research has found that insufficient sleep can also be detrimental to health.
Sleep Sure Plus is an excellent way to help with optimal sleep and restfulness. Its unique formula has a variety of ingredients that work to provide quality sleep. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone essential for regulating the circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. These two essential ingredients are joined by another 6, which all work together to provide better overall sleep.