While diet and exercise are known to impact longevity, a recent study suggests that sleep duration may be even more critical. Research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) indicates that sufficient sleep has a stronger connection to longer life expectancy than these other factors.
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The study analyzed survey data from across the United States, spanning from 2019 to 2025. Researchers assessed life expectancy in relation to self-reported sleep duration, identifying less than seven hours of sleep per night as a cutoff for insufficient rest. They also considered variables such as physical inactivity, employment status, and educational level. The correlation between inadequate sleep and reduced life expectancy remained significant, second only to smoking.
Sleep physiologist Andrew McHill from OHSU commented on the findings, highlighting that the study underscores the importance of achieving seven to nine hours of sleep per night for better health. Although the research is observational and cannot directly prove that lack of sleep shortens lifespan, it does suggest a significant link between sleep and long-term health outcomes.
The study notes that adequate sleep is essential for overall well-being and that sleep deprivation can affect various bodily functions, including cognitive performance and the immune system. Specifically, conditions such as obesity and diabetes, which are associated with poor sleep, may also contribute to mortality risk.
McHill reiterated the importance of prioritizing sleep, stating that improving sleep habits can enhance both quality of life and longevity. He recommended aiming for at least seven hours of sleep per night, noting that some evidence suggests it may be possible to recover lost sleep on weekends.
The findings emphasize the need to value sleep as much as diet and exercise in discussions about health and longevity. This research has been published in the journal Sleep Advances.