Sleep Less, Live Less: Study Links Insufficient Sleep to Shorter Lifespan

• A new study by Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) reveals that sleeping less than seven hours daily is strongly correlated with a reduced lifespan.
• The research, published in SLEEP Advances, analyzed nationwide survey data and found lower life expectancy in counties where more people slept insufficiently.
• Insufficient sleep was linked to reduced lifespan across all socioeconomic settings, from urban to rural areas, with Oregon showing clear patterns.
• Andrew McHill, a senior author, emphasized the striking correlation, urging people to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep.
• The study also identified factors like smoking, obesity, diabetes, and lack of physical activity as contributors to sleep deprivation, alongside signs like daytime sleepiness, weight gain, and mood swings.

Why It Matters: Prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep daily is crucial for a longer, healthier life, as insufficient sleep significantly reduces lifespan.