Global Sleep Crisis: 3 Major Factors That May Affect Sleeping Habits

Did you know that there are several factors that could affect the sleeping habits of humans? Based on a recent study, sleeping patterns across 100 countries were analyzed and researchers found the key factors that affect the amount of sleep an individual can get.

In a study published in the journal Science Advances, a team of researchers from the University of Michigan studied the data collected from a smartphone app called ENTRAIN. This free jet-lag hacking app was designed to help users align their circadian clock to their time zone by recommending different lighting environment.

Through the gathered data, researchers also warn the possibility of a global sleep crisis. Meanwhile, here are 3 major factors that may affect sleeping habits.

1. Gender And Age

In the research, gender was found as the key determinant that affects sleeping habits. It also determined the amount of sleep any individual can get, with females plan more sleep than males. Age, on the other hand, determines the bedtime and wake time of people.

Young kids usually go to bed early and wake up early but the pattern shifts dramatically over the years like teens go to bed late and sleep until noon if allowed. Whereas in adulthood and old age, the pattern reverses again with bedtimes and wake times comes earlier than usual.

2. Cultural Pressures And Daily Responsibilities

Cultural pressures as well as daily responsibilities are also factors that may affect sleeping habits. Cultural tension or pressures could reportedly dominate a person's biological clock, especially dictating bedtime schedule.

Daily responsibilities such as morning school routines, however, influences waking time schedules. According to study author Daniel Forger, an individual's waking time depends mainly on their biological clocks, not their alarm clocks.

3. The Power Of The Society

Another factor found that may affect sleeping habits is the society. According to Forger, there's a conflict between a person's desire to sleep late and the time your body tells you to wake up in the morning.

"Society is pushing us to stay up late, our [body] clocks are trying to get us up earlier and in the middle the amount of sleep is being sacrificed; that's what we think is going on in global sleep crisis," Forger explained.

University of Cambridge's Dr. Akhilesh Reddy also added that a person's sleeping habits are ruled by social circumstances. However, Reddy admitted that the consequences will not likely be determined in the coming years.

Global Sleep Crisis

Meanwhile, study co-author Olivia Walch of University of Michigan warns that inadequate amount of sleep can lead to the so-called "sleep debt" build up. She also stresses that lack of sleep can lead to adverse effects, saying six hours of sleep is not enough.

"It doesn't take that many days of not getting enough sleep before you're functionally drunk," Walch said. "Researchers have figured out that being overly tired can have that effect."

Walch also added lack of adequate sleep makes one's performance dull. However, it would not affect a person's perception of his or her performance. 

So, do you have a good sleeping habit or a bad one? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.