Insufficient Sleep Linked to Shorter Lifespan, Study Reveals

Research from Oregon Health & Science University indicates that consistently getting less than seven hours of sleep each night may significantly reduce life expectancy. This study, published in the journal SLEEP Advances, highlights sleep as a critical factor in longevity, more so than diet, exercise, or social interactions.

To reach these conclusions, researchers analyzed a vast national database, examining life expectancy data across various counties in the United States. They compared these figures with comprehensive survey data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2019 to 2025. The findings consistently showed that insufficient sleep is more closely tied to shorter lifespans than any other lifestyle factor, with smoking being the only exception.

Sleep’s Impact on Longevity

The lead researcher, Andrew McHill, Ph.D., an associate professor at OHSU, expressed surprise at the strength of the correlation. “I didn’t expect it to be so strongly correlated to life expectancy,” he noted. “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.”

The study’s results were derived largely from the efforts of graduate students at the Sleep, Chronobiology and Health Laboratory within OHSU. While previous research has established a connection between sleep and health, the current study distinctly emphasizes the role of sleep duration as a predictor of lifespan, surpassing other factors such as diet and physical activity.

Annual Trends in Sleep and Life Expectancy

This research marks a pioneering effort to track yearly trends in sleep and life expectancy across all U.S. states. Previous studies have suggested a link between poor sleep and increased mortality risk, but none have provided a comprehensive, state-by-state analysis over multiple years. The researchers utilized the CDC’s definition of adequate sleep—at least seven hours per night—which aligns with guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.

Analyzing data from almost all states, the researchers consistently identified a clear relationship between sleep duration and life expectancy. “It’s intuitive and makes a lot of sense, but it was still striking to see it materialize so strongly in all of these models,” McHill remarked.

While the study did not delve into the biological mechanisms behind the connection, McHill pointed out that sleep is essential for heart health, immune function, and cognitive performance. He emphasized the need to prioritize sleep, suggesting it deserves as much attention as diet and exercise. “Getting a good night’s sleep will improve how you feel but also how long you live,” he stated.

The research team also included lead author Kathryn E. McAuliffe, along with Madeline R. Wary, Gemma V. Pleas, Kiziah E.S. Pugmire, Courtney Lysiak, Nathan F. Dieckmann, and Brooke M. Shafer. Funding for the study came from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the OHSU School of Nursing, among other sources.

This research underscores the profound impact that sleep can have on overall health and longevity, offering a compelling call to action for individuals to prioritize their sleep habits for better long-term health outcomes.