We all know that getting a great night’s rest feels amazing. But according to new research published in the journal SLEEP, it might actually give you the same mental and physical boost you’d get if you won the lottery.
Researchers from the University of Warwick analyzed sleep patterns of more than 30,500 people in the U.K. over a period of four years, along with participant’s answers to a questionnaire that measures well-being. Nicole Tang, an associate professor of psychology, explained in the study press release that improving sleep quality (not just quantity) led to improved mental and physical health levels “comparable to those of somebody who’s won a jackpot of around £200,000,” which comes out to roughly $247,000.
People who improved their sleep over time scored 2 points higher on the questionnaire, similar to the effect they’d get after completing an eight-week program of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Tang underscores that “getting good quality sleep, and the reduction of sleep medication, should be promoted as a public health value,” because it’s an easy, affordable method to achieve overall well-being.
Read the entire press release here, and find science-backed tips on how to get a better night’s rest tonight here.
Originally published at journal.thriveglobal.com