Sleep Research Shows Feeling Older Worsens Sleep Quality, Late Bedtimes Boost Cognition

A study published in the journal *SLEEP* of 2,349 Korean adults found that participants who felt older than their chronological age reported markedly poorer sleep. Insomnia prevalence was 29 % among those who felt older, compared with 13.5 % for those who felt their true age, and they scored higher on the PSQI sleep‑quality questionnaire even after adjusting for depression and anxiety.

A separate British study of 26,000 adults aged 53‑86 examined chronotypes and cognitive ability. Results showed that later‑sleeping individuals (night owls) performed better on tests of logic, memory, and processing speed than early‑rising participants, with the advantage growing with age.

Together, the research highlights that both self‑perceived age and bedtime timing can significantly influence sleep quality and brain function.