Sleep is often considered a luxury in modern society, frequently sacrificed in favor of work, social engagements, or screen time. However, emerging research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) suggests that getting a full night of sleep may be far more crucial to longevity than previously understood. The study, recently published in SLEEP Advances, highlights a powerful association between sleep duration and life expectancy across the United States, indicating that regularly getting too little sleep may be linked to a shorter lifespan.
Nationwide Analysis Highlights the Impact of Sleep
To uncover the relationship between sleep and longevity, researchers analyzed a large, nationally representative database encompassing county-level data throughout the United States. They incorporated survey information collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2019 and 2025, examining lifestyle factors that influence life expectancy, such as diet, exercise, social engagement, and sleep. Among these factors, sleep emerged as a particularly strong predictor, surpassed only by smoking in its association with lifespan.
Dr. Andrew McHill, the senior author of the study and an associate professor in the OHSU School of Nursing, the OHSU School of Medicine, and the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, expressed his surprise at the magnitude of the findings. "I didn't expect it to be so strongly correlated to life expectancy," he noted. "We've always thought sleep is important, but this research really drives that point home: People really should strive to get seven to nine hours of sleep if at all possible."
The research team included graduate students from the Sleep, Chronobiology, and Health Laboratory at OHSU’s School of Nursing, who played a critical role in data collection and analysis. Their work provided a robust and granular perspective, revealing trends that had previously been unexplored in such depth.
The Strength of Sleep as a Predictor of Lifespan
The study's findings are striking for several reasons. While previous research has consistently shown that sleep contributes to overall health, the OHSU study underscores the comparative strength of sleep as a predictor of life expectancy relative to other lifestyle factors. Diet, physical activity, and social connections—commonly emphasized in public health guidance—were all less strongly correlated with lifespan than sleep duration. This suggests that while healthy eating and exercise remain important, sleep is a foundational component of health that may be underappreciated in discussions of longevity.
McHill highlighted this observation, stating, "It's intuitive and makes a lot of sense, but it was still striking to see it materialize so strongly in all of these models. I'm a sleep physiologist who understands the health benefits of sleep, but the strength of the association between sleep sufficiency and life expectancy was remarkable to me."
By showing that insufficient sleep consistently outweighs diet and exercise as a predictor of lifespan, the study challenges conventional thinking about the hierarchy of lifestyle factors. While smoking still represents the most significant individual behavior impacting longevity, the implications of sleep are far-reaching and warrant urgent public health attention.
First Study to Track Yearly State-by-State Trends
Another groundbreaking aspect of the study is its scope: it is the first to track year-by-year connections between sleep and life expectancy across all U.S. states. Using the CDC's definition of sufficient sleep—at least seven hours per night—the researchers were able to align their analysis with recommendations from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society. Across nearly every state and across all years analyzed, a clear positive relationship emerged between longer sleep duration and higher life expectancy.
This longitudinal and geographically detailed perspective strengthens the case for sleep as a vital factor in health policy and personal wellness. By identifying patterns at the state level, the study also opens the door to region-specific interventions aimed at improving sleep duration, particularly in communities where insufficient sleep is most prevalent.
Why Sleep Matters for Longevity
Although the study did not explore the precise biological mechanisms linking sleep to lifespan, prior research provides important clues. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, immune system function, and cognitive performance. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Sleep also plays a role in metabolic regulation and hormone balance, which may contribute to its influence on long-term health outcomes.
Dr. McHill emphasizes that the research underscores the need to prioritize sleep alongside diet and exercise. "Sometimes, we think of sleep as something we can set aside and maybe put off until later or on the weekend," he explained. "Getting a good night's sleep will improve how you feel but also how long you live." By placing sleep on par with other critical health behaviors, individuals and policymakers can take a more holistic approach to public health interventions.
Implications for Individuals and Public Health
The findings have practical implications for both individuals and communities. At an individual level, the study reinforces existing guidelines recommending seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Consistent, adequate sleep may be one of the simplest yet most effective strategies for improving health and extending lifespan.
On a broader scale, the research highlights the importance of addressing societal and environmental factors that disrupt sleep. Shift work, long commutes, excessive screen time, and urban noise pollution can all contribute to insufficient sleep. By considering sleep in public health initiatives and workplace policies, communities can create conditions that support better rest and, potentially, longer lifespans.
Study Authors and Contributions
In addition to Dr. McHill, the research team included lead author Kathryn E. McAuliffe, B.S., Madeline R. Wary, B.S., Gemma V. Pleas, B.A., Kiziah E.S. Pugmire, B.S., Courtney Lysiak, B.A., Nathan F. Dieckmann, Ph.D., and Brooke M. Shafer, Ph.D. Their combined efforts in data collection, analysis, and interpretation contributed to the study's rigor and credibility. The collaborative nature of the research emphasizes the value of multidisciplinary approaches in understanding complex public health issues.
This study from OHSU represents a significant advance in our understanding of sleep and longevity. By analyzing extensive national data and tracking patterns across every U.S. state over multiple years, researchers have demonstrated that sleep duration is a critical predictor of life expectancy—second only to smoking. Adequate sleep supports vital physiological functions and contributes to overall well-being, yet it is often undervalued in daily life.
The research makes a compelling case for prioritizing sleep as a cornerstone of health. Individuals should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, while policymakers and public health professionals should consider strategies to reduce barriers to sufficient rest. As Dr. McHill notes, the implications are simple yet profound: improving sleep may not only enhance daily functioning and mood but could also extend the very length of our lives. In a society that increasingly sacrifices sleep for productivity and convenience, this research serves as a timely reminder of the enduring power of rest.
Source: Oregon Health & Science University
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