Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Study: Irregular or Extended Sleep Linked to Early Death Risk
Imagine your body has an internal clock that keeps things running smoothly.
Getting too much or too little sleep, or sleeping at different times, messes up this clock.
A new study looked at many adults and found that people who slept for less than 7 hours or more than 8 hours, had a greater chance of dying earlier.
Also, people with irregular sleep schedules were at risk.
This is because not sleeping right can cause problems like inflammation and heart issues.
The key is to have a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to stay healthy.
Study shows risk of early death is higher for those who sleep too much (over 8 hours) or too little (under 7 hours).
Inconsistent sleep patterns, with varying bedtimes and wake-up times, also increase mortality risk.
A meta-analysis confirms the 'U-shaped' risk: short sleep raises death risk by 14%, long sleep by 34%.
Men with either short and irregular or long and regular sleep patterns showed a higher risk, as did women with long and irregular patterns.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, including weekends, is key for optimal health.
- Who
- The study followed over 9,600 adults aged 40-69.
- What
- Study links irregular or too much/little sleep to increased risk of early death.
- When
- The study was conducted over 15 years.
- Where
- The research was conducted in Korea.
- Why
- Disrupted sleep patterns disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to health issues that can increase mortality risk.
- Study Title
- The Impact of sleep health on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the general population
- Sleep Duration Thresholds
- Less than 7 hours (short), More than 8 hours (long)
- Short Sleep Risk Increase
- 14%
- Long Sleep Risk Increase
- 34%
- Key Finding
- Regularity of sleep is crucial for quality sleep
- Study Period
- Almost 15 years