New Study: Sleep Crucial for Longevity, Insufficient Sleep Shortens Lifespan

• A new study by Oregon Health & Science University published in SLEEP Advances highlights sleep's critical role in overall health and longevity.
• Researchers analyzed a large national database and CDC survey data, comparing sleep patterns with county-level life expectancy across the United States.
• Sleep's link to longevity was found to be stronger than diet, physical activity, or social isolation; only smoking had a greater impact.
• Andrew McHill, PhD, senior author, emphasized the importance of 7-9 hours of sleep for a longer lifespan.
• Good sleep hygiene, including consistent schedules, avoiding screens before bed, and managing diet, is recommended for restorative rest.

Why It Matters: Prioritizing 7-9 hours of quality sleep is vital for health and significantly impacts longevity, more than most lifestyle factors.