Feeling groggy after a poor night's sleep is an immediate nuisance, but groundbreaking new research confirms the long-term consequences are far more severe, potentially shortening your lifespan.
The Sleep and Longevity Link
A major study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has delivered a stark warning: consistently getting insufficient sleep could literally 'cut years off your life'. The phrase 'you can sleep when you're dead' takes on a grim new meaning in light of these findings.
The research, published in the journal SLEEP Advances, analysed data from a US-wide health habits survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scientists compared respondents' answers with life expectancy data from their local areas.
The results were striking. Aside from smoking, getting less than seven hours of sleep per night was the factor most strongly associated with dying younger. Its impact on longevity surpassed that of diet, exercise levels, socioeconomic status, and even loneliness.
'Remarkable' Findings That Surprised Experts
Dr Andrew McHill, Ph.D., the study's senior author and an associate professor at OHSU, admitted he was taken aback by the strength of the correlation. 'I didn't expect it to be so strongly correlated to life expectancy,' he commented.
'We've always thought sleep is important, but this research really drives that point home: people really should strive to get seven to nine hours of sleep if at all possible,' McHill added. As a sleep psychologist, he has a deep understanding of the health impacts of poor rest, yet he described seeing the data materialise so powerfully in statistical models as 'still striking' and 'remarkable'.
This study is the first to demonstrate detailed, year-by-year connections between sleep duration and life expectancy across every US state. This granular approach allows scientists to identify outlier regions for future investigation, which could help pinpoint the exact biological and social mechanisms linking sleep so closely to lifespan.
Prioritising Your Sleep Health
Ahead of further scientific breakthroughs, Dr McHill stresses that this project underscores a critical public health message: we must prioritise sleep 'at least as much as we do to what we eat or how we exercise.'
'Sometimes, we think of sleep as something we can set aside and maybe put off until later or on the weekend,' he concluded. 'Getting a good night's sleep will improve how you feel but also how long you live.'
These findings align with existing guidance from the NHS, which recommends adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. However, individual needs can vary. Sleep researcher Dr Neil Stanley has previously likened sleep need to height, noting it is largely genetically determined. While anywhere from four to eleven hours can be normal for different people, he warns that getting just one hour less than you personally require can have measurable negative effects on both physical and mental health.
If achieving a consistent seven hours isn't feasible, Dr Stanley advises monitoring your own energy levels. Feeling persistently tired during the day is a definitive sign you are not getting enough restorative sleep.
