One of the Most Underrated Factors in Life Expectancy Has Been Identified 0 9

A lack of nighttime rest can reduce life expectancy as significantly as classic risk factors. This conclusion was reached by researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University, who analyzed CDC data and life expectancy figures from 2019 to 2025. The results were published in the journal SLEEP Advances.

The scientists studied data from tens of thousands of individuals and assessed how the prevalence of insufficient sleep (less than seven hours per day) is related to life expectancy. Regions with a higher number of people suffering from poor sleep showed lower longevity rates — and this pattern was consistent every year of the study. Furthermore, even after accounting for factors such as smoking, diet quality, and low physical activity, the impact of sleep deprivation remained significant. The only factor with a stronger effect was smoking.

The authors emphasize that the correlation was evident across all types of regions — regardless of income levels, access to healthcare, and degree of urbanization. This means that sleep is a universal health marker that affects life expectancy outside the context of socio-economic differences.

Researchers remind us that adequate nighttime sleep plays a crucial role in the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, immune system, and nervous system. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts blood pressure regulation, metabolism, and cognitive functions, increasing the risk of diseases and accidents that can lead to premature death.

Previously, scientists found that irregular sleep is associated with higher body fat and elevated cholesterol levels.