New research suggests consistently getting less than seven hours of sleep nightly carries health risks comparable to smoking, according to a study published this week in *Sleep Advances*. Investigators at Oregon Health & Science University analyzed data from nearly 18,000 adults, revealing a strong correlation between sleep duration and life expectancy. While teh study doesn’t establish a direct causal link, the findings reinforce growing concerns among health professionals about the widespread impact of sleep deprivation on long-term well-being [[1]].
Prioritizing sleep may be just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to longevity, according to a new study. Researchers found that consistently getting less than seven hours of sleep a night is strongly linked to a lower life expectancy – a connection rivaled only by smoking.
The research, published in Sleep Advances, analyzed survey data collected across the United States between 2019 and 2025. Investigators at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) examined the relationship between sleep duration and how long people live, while accounting for factors known to impact lifespan, such as physical activity, education level, and employment status.
“We didn’t expect the association between insufficient sleep and life expectancy to be this strong,” said Andrew McHill, a sleep physiologist at OHSU. “Everyone knows sleep is important, but this research really drives home the point: people should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, if possible.”
While the study is observational – meaning it can’t definitively prove that less sleep causes a shorter lifespan – the results suggest sleep duration is a significant indicator of long-term health. This finding underscores the critical role sleep plays in overall well-being and could have implications for public health recommendations.
Adequate sleep is essential for both brain function and the immune system. Researchers also noted that sleep deprivation is linked to conditions like obesity and diabetes, which can also reduce lifespan.
“This result makes intuitive sense, but it was still surprising to see such a strong effect across all the models,” McHill added. “A good night’s sleep affects not just how you feel, but how long you live.”
The researchers emphasize that sleep habits are, at least partially, modifiable. Simple changes, such as limiting screen time before bed or incorporating relaxing activities like yoga, could be beneficial in the long run. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society recommend adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and some evidence suggests that sleep debt can be partially recovered on weekends.
“This research shows that we need to prioritize sleep as much as we prioritize what we eat and how much we exercise,” McHill concluded. “Good sleep will not only make you feel better, but it can also help you live longer.”
Source: Gazete Oksijen
