Jean-Philippe Chaput

Dr. JP Chaput is a Senior Scientist with the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on obesity prevention, health promotion, and lifestyle behaviour modification (e.g., improving sleep, increasing physical activity, reducing screen time, and eating better). Dr. Chaput has published more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific articles, has an h-index of 103 and more than 46,000 citations. He serves on many journal editorial boards and advisory committees, has contributed to a large number of conferences around the world (>200 lectures), and received several awards for his research. Outside of work he likes to travel, run in the forest, and play with his daughter Charlotte.

Sleep plays a vital role in healthy aging, influencing physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Adequate sleep helps regulate bodily functions, repair tissues, and strengthen the immune system, all of which are essential for longevity and quality of life. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep, common in older adults, has been linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cognitive decline, including dementia.

As we age, changes in sleep patterns are natural; however, maintaining healthy sleep hygiene can mitigate these effects. Strategies include establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing the sleep environment to minimize disruptions. Addressing underlying health issues such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome can also improve sleep quality. Furthermore, sleep is closely tied to mental health, enhancing memory consolidation, mood regulation, and resilience to stress. Healthy aging also benefits from a bidirectional relationship between sleep and physical activity, with exercise improving sleep quality and good sleep boosting energy for daily activities. In summary, fostering good sleep habits from midlife onward is a cornerstone of aging well, ensuring not only a longer life but one filled with vitality and cognitive sharpness.