London: A study has shown that getting less than five hours of sleep per night on a regular basis can increase the risk of depression.
Researchers have known for a long time that poor mental health causes sleep problems. But in an analysis of more than 7,000 people, scientists have found that poor sleep causes symptoms of depression.
According to experts at University College London, data suggests that people who get less than five hours of sleep are more likely to suffer from this condition.
The study’s lead author, Odesa Hamilton, said the relationship between less than adequate sleep duration and depression is like chicken and egg. These conditions occur together but it is not known which condition occurs first.
Researchers analyzed genetic and health data from 7,146 people in their 60s in the study.
This analysis was based on the genetic characteristics of these individuals. Over the past few years, sleep experts have discovered some unique DNA patterns associated with people’s sleep patterns.
The study found that people whose genetics were altered by getting less than five hours of sleep were 2.5 times more likely to develop depression over the next four to 12 years.
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