Scientists Have Uncovered An Unexpected Secret To Longevity
- 24.09.2026, 11:28
It turned out to be more important than many habits.
Life expectancy depends not only on diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits. Chronic sleep deprivation may be linked to an increased risk of premature death, and this link has been found to be stronger than that of a number of other lifestyle factors. This is the conclusion reached by American researchers who studied the impact of nightly sleep duration on human health.
According to ScienceAlert, experts at Oregon Health & Science University analyzed data on the health and lifestyles of Americans from 2019 to 2025. The study’s findings, published in the scientific journal Sleep Advances, showed that insufficient sleep is associated with a reduction in life expectancy, even when physical activity and dietary habits are taken into account.
The researchers found that, in terms of the strength of the statistical association with life expectancy, sleep deprivation was second only to smoking. However, the authors emphasize that these findings do not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship and do not allow us to conclude that sleep deprivation is more dangerous than all other risk factors.
For most adults, the optimal duration of nighttime sleep is seven to nine hours. Chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt appetite regulation, metabolism, and hormonal processes, as well as increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
To improve sleep quality, experts recommend sticking to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the bedroom, and limiting exposure to bright light before bedtime. It is also advisable to avoid using a smartphone right before bed if it prevents you from falling asleep on time.
The study’s authors note that restful sleep should be considered one of the key components of healthy aging, along with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and not smoking. However, even following all these recommendations does not guarantee longevity, as life expectancy is influenced by genetics, chronic diseases, and other factors.