A new study from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, involving nearly 3,200 adults, reveals a significant link between feeling older than one's chronological age and poor sleep quality. Those who perceived themselves as older reported more sleep impairments, diminished overall sleep health, and lower sleep regularity, even when factors like chronological age, depression, and anxiety were controlled. This perception of aging is also associated with poorer physical health and can contribute to a vicious cycle with insomnia and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest that understanding subjective age could lead to new strategies for improving sleep and quality of life, and recommend activities that promote a feeling of youthfulness to counteract these effects.