Could This Be the Key to a Better Night’s Sleep?

Could This Be the Key to a Better Night’s Sleep?

How well you snooze at night has a lot to do with how you spend your days—sleep quality has been linked with everything from diet and exercise to electronic screen use. Now, a new study suggests that something a little less tangible may play a role, as well: People who have a strong purpose in life tend to sleep better through the night, with fewer symptoms of sleep apnea and restless legs.

Published in the journal Sleep Science and Practice, the study suggests that cultivating a sense of purpose could be a good drug-free strategy for improving shut-eye. And while the study only included adults ages 60 and up, the authors say their findings would likely apply to younger age groups, as well.

The researchers, from Northwestern University and Rush University Medical Center, knew that sense of purpose—defined in the study as “having aspirations and goals for the future and feeing that experiences in life are meaningful”—has been linked with numerous health outcomes, including reduced risks of stroke and disability and a longer life. It’s also been shown to improve sleep when measured at a single point in time.