More REM Sleep Linked to Lower Risk of 83 Diseases, Study Finds

Researchers analyzed data from more than 95,000 adults over several years. The study found that individuals who spent a larger share of their sleep in REM stage had a statistically lower risk of 83 diseases, including dementia, heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease. Conversely, those who accumulated more deep (slow‑wave) sleep showed reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and major depression. The analysis controlled for age, sex, and other health variables, suggesting a robust association between sleep architecture and disease risk. These results imply that improving REM and deep sleep could lower the likelihood of a broad spectrum of conditions. The findings encourage clinicians and public‑health officials to consider sleep quality in disease‑prevention strategies and motivate further research into targeted sleep interventions.