Regularly sleeping less than seven hours per night could significantly cut years off one’s life, according to a recent nationwide analysis by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). This groundbreaking research suggests that insufficient sleep is a more potent predictor of a shorter lifespan than factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, or social isolation.
The findings, detailed in the journal SLEEP Advances, underscore a critical, yet often overlooked, component of long-term health. While the importance of adequate rest has long been acknowledged, the sheer strength of this correlation has surprised even seasoned sleep researchers, as reported by ScienceDaily on January 10, 2026.
Investigators at OHSU examined extensive survey data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2019 and 2025. They compared county-level life expectancy figures across the United States with detailed lifestyle information, revealing consistent patterns year after year and across most states.
The surprising link between sleep duration and longevity
When researchers evaluated various lifestyle factors tied to how long people live, sleep duration emerged with remarkable clarity. Its association with life expectancy was stronger than that of diet, physical activity, or social isolation. Only smoking exhibited a greater influence on lifespan, highlighting sleep’s profound impact on overall health outcomes.
Dr. Andrew McHill, a senior author of the study and associate professor at the OHSU School of Nursing and School of Medicine, expressed his astonishment at the findings. “I didn’t expect it to be so strongly correlated to life expectancy,” McHill 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 study marks a significant advancement, being the first to track year-by-year connections between sleep and life expectancy across every U.S. state. For their models, researchers defined sufficient sleep as at least seven hours per night, aligning with recommendations from leading bodies like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.
Why prioritizing sleep matters for long-term health
While the OHSU study did not delve into the specific biological mechanisms explaining this connection, Dr. McHill emphasized sleep’s crucial role in several physiological processes. Adequate sleep is vital for maintaining heart health, supporting robust immune function, and optimizing brain performance. Chronic sleep deprivation can compromise these systems, contributing to a cascade of health issues over time.
The implication is clear: treating sleep as a luxury rather than a necessity comes at a steep price. In a world that often glorifies productivity over rest, this research serves as a stark reminder to re-evaluate our priorities. “This research shows that we need to prioritize sleep at least as much as we do to what we eat or how we exercise,” McHill concluded.
Embracing a consistent sleep schedule and aiming for the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep isn’t merely about feeling refreshed. It’s a fundamental investment in your long-term health and a key determinant of how long and how well you live. As the data suggests, a good night’s sleep doesn’t just improve how you feel; it profoundly influences how long you live.
