A study conducted by British bedding brand Bensons for Beds and sleep expert Dr. Sophie Bostock produced shocking results. According to the study, by 2050, the average sleep time for women is likely to decrease to less than 6 hours a day, and the resulting physical and mental changes will be serious. In particular, the research team’s prediction of the future appearance of sleep-deprived women through artificial intelligence (AI) simulations is causing a stir by analyzing that it could resemble Gollum, a character from the movie The Lord of the Rings.
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[Korea Today] Research conducted by British bedding brand Bensons for Beds and sleep expert Dr. Sophie Bostock © Reporter Park Jeong-hee |
British researchers studied the effects of long-term sleep deprivation on the human body and found that accelerated aging and deterioration of physical functions are inevitable. Sleep is essential for physical recovery and cell regeneration, but if sleep is less than 6 hours a day, the entire body gradually goes through a process of collapse. The most noticeable change caused by sleep deprivation is external aging. The skin loses elasticity and becomes dull, deep wrinkles appear, and dark circles become prominent under the eyes. This has been described as similar to Gollum’s appearance, raising alarms.
In addition, lack of sleep also affects weight gain. According to research, lack of sleep disrupts the balance of appetite-regulating hormones ghrelin and leptin, leading to overeating. This can lead to abdominal obesity and weight gain, which can be a major cause of poor health. In addition, as the level of the stress hormone cortisol increases, hair loss and hair damage accelerate, and the immune system weakens, making you vulnerable to various diseases.
This study also emphasized that sleep deprivation is not limited to physical changes. Since sleep is directly related to brain function, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to serious mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorder, as well as memory loss and decreased concentration. If chronic fatigue accumulates along with mental stress, productivity in daily life also decreases rapidly.
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[Korean Today] Healthy Sleep Management © Reporter Park Jeong-hee |
Dr. Sophie Bostock pointed out in her research results that “the digital lifestyle of modern people is worsening sleep deprivation.” The increased use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets is interfering with the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, and thus shortening sleep time. In addition, irregular work patterns, stress, and unstable eating habits are worsening sleep deprivation, she added.
Considering the serious impact of lack of sleep on the human body, experts emphasize that we should take care of our sleep health from now on. First, it is important to maintain regular sleep habits. Create a pattern of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to secure 7 to 8 hours of sufficient sleep. Avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones or TVs one hour before going to bed, and make the bedroom environment quiet and dark to induce deep sleep.
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[Korean Today] Healthy Sleep Management © Reporter Park Jeong-hee |
Stress management is also an important key to improving sleep. Calming your mind through meditation, deep breathing, or light exercise can improve the quality of your sleep. It is also necessary to reduce caffeine and alcohol intake and maintain a healthy rhythm in your body through a balanced diet. Experts emphasize that sleep should be prioritized and managed because lack of sleep not only causes immediate fatigue but also has serious long-term effects on your physical and mental health.
This study clearly warns of the dangers of sleep deprivation and calls for improvement of the bad lifestyle habits of modern society. In particular, the shocking future images shown through AI simulations remind us once again of the importance of sleep. Dr. Sophie Bostock emphasized, “Sleep is an essential element for physical recovery and survival, and if we do not improve sleep from now on, our future health could be seriously threatened.”
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[Korean Today] Healthy Sleep Management © Reporter Park Jeong-hee |
Sleep is not simply sleeping, but recharging the body and mind. Sleeping less than 6 hours a day can cause physical and mental destructive results, which in turn leads to aging and deterioration of health. Therefore, it is necessary to secure sufficient sleep time and make efforts to improve the quality of sleep. This is the most basic and important way to maintain a healthy life and youth.
Since this study warns of the shocking consequences of sleep deprivation in the future, we should check and improve our sleep habits from now on. We must remember that the key to protecting our health and youth lies in sufficient and high-quality sleep.
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