Feeling older than your actual age could be a sign that you’re not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research.
A study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation and published in the journal Sleep found that adults who felt older than their chronological age were more likely to report and daytime fatigue.
The study involved more than 3,100 adults, who were asked a simple question: “How old do you feel?”
Researchers then compared participants’ answers with measures of , sleep consistency and daytime functioning.
People who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their chronological age.
Researchers also found that people who felt older than their age were more likely to report .
Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings align with what he frequently sees in his practice.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“I’ve worked with many people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They’re exhausted, mentally foggy, less patient, less motivated and generally not functioning at their best,” Alpert said. “Poor sleep is often a major part of the picture.”
can make everyday responsibilities feel more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress and maintain their usual energy levels, Alpert said.
Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a .
“Many people assume feeling older is just an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the issue is simply that they’re ,” Alpert said.
For that reason, he suggested looking at sleep habits before assuming fatigue and low energy are simply consequences of getting older.
For now, Alpert said the findings offer a reminder that fatigue should not automatically be blamed on getting older.
While the findings were notable, there are several limitations to consider.
The study relied on self-reported survey responses, meaning participants provided information about both their perceived age and sleep habits. The observational design also means the research cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.
