A new nationwide study is quantifying what many health experts have long suspected: sleep is critical to longevity. Research published today in *SLEEP Advances* demonstrates a stronger correlation between sleep duration and life expectancy than previously understood, even surpassing the impacts of diet and exercise [[1]]. Analyzing data from 2019-2025, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that adequate sleep-defined as at least seven hours per night-is second only to avoiding tobacco use in its influence on lifespan [[2]].
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Getting enough sleep – and getting *quality* sleep – may be even more critical for longevity than previously understood.
New research from Oregon Health & Science University reveals that individuals who consistently skimp on sleep may have shorter lifespans.
The findings were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal SLEEP Advances.
Broad Data Analysis Across the U.S.
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Researchers analyzed national data from across the United States, comparing county-level life expectancy data with detailed survey results collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2019 and 2025.
When evaluating lifestyle factors that influence lifespan, sleep duration stood out as a particularly strong predictor. The connection between sleep and life expectancy was found to be more robust than that of diet, physical activity, or social isolation.
The study indicated that the only factor more impactful than sleep was tobacco use.
‘I Didn’t Expect Such a Strong Relationship’
Andrew McHill, senior author of the study and faculty member at the OHSU School of Nursing, School of Medicine, and Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, said the results even surprised him.
“I didn’t expect such a strong relationship with life expectancy,” McHill stated. “We’ve always known sleep is important, but this research clearly demonstrates that people should really aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, if possible.”
Sleep Outperforms Diet and Exercise
Scientists have long recognized the importance of adequate sleep for overall health. However, this study revealed that the impact of insufficient sleep on lifespan is more pronounced than that of traditional health indicators like diet and exercise.
“It makes logical and intuitive sense, but it was still striking to see it emerge so powerfully in all of our models,” McHill explained. “As a sleep physiologist, I understand the benefits of sleep, but the strength of the association between sleep sufficiency and life expectancy even surprised me.”
Previous research has shown a link between poor sleep and increased mortality risk. This study, however, is the first to demonstrate the relationship between sleep duration and life expectancy across all U.S. states over multiple years.
Researchers utilized the CDC’s definition of “sufficient sleep,” which aligns with recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society: at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
Why Does Sleep Impact Lifespan?
The research did not directly investigate the biological mechanisms explaining why sleep affects lifespan. However, McHill noted that sleep plays a vital role in cardiovascular health, immune function, and brain function.
Understanding these mechanisms is a crucial next step for public health initiatives aimed at improving sleep habits and overall well-being. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness of sleep as a fundamental pillar of health, alongside diet and exercise.
