Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
Get Happier With Just 46 Minutes More Sleep
(upbeat music) - Welcome to Quick News, this is Ted. The news was published on Wednesday, November 6th. Today we have two fantastic guests to discuss a recent study regarding sleep. Please welcome Eric and Kate, let's jump right in. So this new study suggests that getting just 46 more minutes of sleep per night can have significant benefits. Eric, can you explain what this study found exactly? - Sure, Ted, the study followed 90 young adults and split them into three groups with different bedtime routines. Turns out those who got an extra 46 minutes of sleep each night saw big time improvements in things like resilience, gratitude, life satisfaction, and even a sense of purpose. It's quite a fascinating find when you think about-- - Hold on there, Eric. It's not all sunshine and roses with more sleep. The study showed that those who got less sleep down by 37 minutes suffered drops in mood and wellbeing. It's crucial to highlight the negative impacts too, you know? - How significant is the impact of these 46 extra minutes? - Very significant, Ted. We're talking not just about individual wellbeing improvements but also increased pro-social behaviors. Folks were more community driven and involved in charitable activities. That's a bigger picture impact that matters. - But Kate, let's not get carried away. We've gotta consider the study also mentioned sleep habits were monitored through diaries and smartwatches, self-reported data. You know, there's always a margin for you. - Eric, come on. The researchers added cognitive and psychological testing to validate the data. It's way more reliable than giving it credit. - Eric, what about the participants wellbeing beyond just feeling more alert? Any specific details? - Sure thing, Ted. The study linked better sleep to broader societal impacts such as increased charity and community initiative participation. These are really exciting outcomes we don't often hear about from sleep studies. - But don't forget the broader influence, Eric. More sleep led to forming flourishing moral communities, a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked. - Lastly, why do you think this finding is crucial for broader psychological outcomes? - It's groundbreaking, Ted. Traditional research mostly dwells on the negative effects of sleep deprivation. This study flips the narrative, showing positive psychological outcomes from just getting better sleep. It's refreshing and could help change the way we think about sleep. - While it's good to see a positive angle, let's not forget, increasing sleep duration alone isn't the magic cure all. Many other factors like diet and exercise play a role in our wellbeing got to keep a balanced view. - Looking at this study, are there other historical events or studies with similar findings? Eric, you first. - Absolutely, Ted. This reminds me of the early studies on REM sleep back in the 1960s. They found that more REM sleep improved mood and cognitive function. It's a classic, but solid comparison. - But Eric, the more relevant comparison is with World War II studies on sleep deprivation among soldiers. Those showed dramatic drops in morale and effectiveness-- - So Eric, are these comparisons valid? - Yes, Ted. Both studies underscore the transformative power of sleep, but in different contexts, one focused on deprivation, the other on incremental gains, it's like seeing two sides of the same coin. - I agree, but the focus should be on the improvements we've seen. Modern research techniques are far more advanced now. This study's positive psychology outcomes add a new layer of understanding to sleep's benefits. - What makes this recent study stand out from previous ones? - It's unique because it looks at positive traits like gratitude and resilience instead of just avoiding negative effects. This broadens our understanding of how beneficial sleep can really be. - True, but older studies still give us a solid foundation. They underline the importance of getting enough sleep. This study just extends that knowledge further. - By focusing on wellbeing, how does this change our approach to sleep research? - It encourages a more holistic view. We should now investigate other positive outcomes, maybe look into how better sleep impacts social relationships and community health. - While that's a good approach, we must stay critical. We shouldn't entirely shift our focus away from the negative effects of sleep deprivation. It's always about balance. - Eric, can we learn anything specific from those historical sleep studies that apply here? - Yes, Ted, even slight changes in sleep patterns can lead to significant outcomes, be they positive or negative. That's a big takeaway from those older studies. And importantly, those soldier studies revealed the societal implications of sleep, which this new study reaffirms in a modern form. - Moving forward, how do you see things unfolding if we take this study seriously? Eric. - Well, Ted, I think we'll see an increased focus on sleep education and public health initiatives. Schools and workplaces might introduce more flexible schedules to help people get adequate sleep. - Flexible schedules are great, but we need to design policies that promote overall mental health. Employers should consider more than just sleep. They need to focus on overall employee wellbeing. - Kate, what could be some long-term societal changes if these findings are widely implemented? - Societal benefits could include heightened community involvement and more pro-social behavior. When people feel better, they're more likely to contribute positively to society. - Though Kate, don't forget the potential economic impacts. Better sleep translates to higher productivity and fewer health costs. That's a win for both individuals. - Eric, are there potential pitfalls to this focus on sleep? - Yes, Ted, overemphasizing sleep might lead us to neglect other important areas like nutrition and physical activity. We need a balanced approach. - Eric, that's a weak argument. A focus on sleep can be a catalyst for broader wellness. Improved sleep can lead to better decision-making and other aspects of health. - What can individuals do right now to take advantage of these findings? - Start with small adjustments, folks. Aim for that extra 46 minutes of sleep per night consistently and see how it impacts your daily life. - I agree. Simple changes can make a huge difference. People should not only think about sleep quantity but also sleep quality. Creating a conducive sleep environment is key. - And let's not forget. Promoting a culture that values rest and mental well-being is crucial for long-term change. - Indeed, while society gradually acknowledges these findings, individuals must take proactive steps for immediate benefits. Thank you both for such an insightful discussion. That's all for today's segment. Thanks for tuning in to Quick News.