Khaberni - A new study linked lack of sleep to a decrease in average life expectancy, according to Science Alert, citing the journal Sleep Advances.
Lack of sleep was previously associated with many health issues and shortened life span, but the recent study found that getting enough sleep is significantly related to longer life span, more so than diet and exercise, both of which are known to positively impact longevity.
Sleep Deprivation Index
Researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) analyzed data from surveys across the United States, covering the period from 2019 to 2025. Life expectancy averages were compared with self-assessments of sleep duration, where sleeping less than seven hours per night was considered an indicator of "lack" of sleep.
Smoking Most Harmful
The researchers also considered other variables that might affect life expectancy, including physical inactivity, employment status, and educational level. The relationship between lack of sleep and reduced life expectancy remained, with only smoking being more strongly associated.
Andrew McHill, a sleep physiology specialist at Oregon Health & Science University, said, "I did not expect sleep deprivation to be so closely linked to average life expectancy."
It has always been believed that sleep is important, but this research strongly reinforces that point, so efforts should be made to get seven to nine hours of sleep if possible. As this is an observational-only study, it cannot prove that lack of sleep decreases life span by months or years.
The results suggest that the amount of sleep a person gets each night is an important indicator of long-term health.
Brain Circuits and Immune System
Adequate sleep is essential for almost all aspects of health, as missing a single night's sleep, for example, may affect brain circuits and the body's immune system.
It makes sense to assume that such health problems could contribute to long-term mortality. In particular, the researchers highlight obesity and diabetes as conditions associated with lack of sleep, which could decrease life expectancy.
Modifiable Patterns
The good news is that sleep patterns are modifiable, at least partly, within the confines of a person's commitments to others and work. It might be helpful to give up the habit of browsing bad news in bed, or to practice yoga or tai chi occasionally.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, with some evidence suggesting that it's possible to make up for any shortfall during the weekend if needed.
Diet and Exercise
McHill says the research shows the need to prioritize sleep as much as diet and physical activity, explaining that "getting enough sleep at night not only improves well-being but also extends life span."
