Regularly getting enough sleep is strongly linked to a higher life expectancy, according to a new study from researchers at Oregon Health and Science University.
The scientists discovered that the relationship between adequate sleep and longevity was even stronger than the influence of diet or physical activity.
The study, published in the medical journal Sleep Advances, examined public health data from residents across various counties in the United States covering the years 2019 to 2025. Researchers compared regional life expectancy figures directly against the percentage of adults in those areas who regularly slept fewer than seven hours per day.
In regions where sleep deprivation was more widespread among residents, average life expectancy was consistently lower. This statistical link remained consistent even after the research team adjusted for multiple variables, including rates of physical activity, dietary habits, educational attainment levels, employment status, and other demographic factors.
Sleep impact compared to other health factors
Among all the lifestyle factors evaluated in the county level data, only smoking demonstrated a stronger link to reduced lifespan than a lack of sleep. When the researchers expanded their analysis to additionally account for pre-existing medical conditions and chronic illnesses, obesity was also found to be a stronger factor.
Oregon Health and Science University is a public medical research university and health center based in Portland, Oregon, widely recognized for its work in epidemiology, cardiology, and public health science. Its researchers regularly conduct large scale population studies to evaluate health outcomes across diverse communities. The journal Sleep Advances is an academic journal that publishes peer-reviewed research on sleep science, biological rhythms, and preventive health.
Observational findings and sleep guidelines
The authors noted that securing adequate rest each night may be just as vital for maintaining a long life as eating a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity. However, they stressed that their work was observational in nature and does not prove that a lack of sleep directly causes a shorter lifespan.
Observational population studies observe patterns across communities without directly intervening in individual lives. Public health researchers use these studies to highlight statistical correlations across large populations, leaving clinical trials to examine how specific physiological mechanisms operate in individuals.
The study authors recommend that adults aim to sleep between seven and nine hours per day whenever possible. The study comes after previous medical research established that the timing of a person's first and last meals of the day is also closely connected to overall life expectancy.
