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A new study reveals that approximately two-thirds of Americans are not getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night, significantly increasing their risk of premature death. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed the sleep and health data of nearly 47,000 adults aged 40 to 79 over a five-year period.
Researchers tracked participants’ sleep patterns, categorizing them into “trajectories” based on changes in sleep duration between the study’s start and follow-up surveys. The study found that those with inconsistent sleep patterns, such as “short-long” (too little sleep initially, then too much) or “long-short” (too much sleep initially, then too little), faced a 29% increased risk of death from any cause.
Key findings include:
- Overall Irregularity: 66% of participants experienced sleep durations outside the recommended range.
- Mortality Risk:
- A 29% increased risk of death from any cause for the “short-long” sleep trajectory.
- A 19% increased risk for “long-short.”
- A 27% increased risk for “long-long” (consistently too much sleep).
- Cardiovascular Risk:
- A 22% increased risk of heart-related death for “long-long.”
- A 32% increased risk for “long-short.”
- A 22% increased risk for “short-long.”
- Demographic Disparities:
- Associations between irregular sleep and mortality were stronger among White participants compared to Black participants.
- Associations were also stronger among those with a household income of $15,000 or more compared to those with lower incomes.
- No significant differences were observed between men and women.
“These findings provide new evidence that irregular sleep patterns over a 5-year period may increase the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality,” concluded the researchers, led by Kelsie Full, Ph.D., of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
An accompanying editorial by Dayna Johnson, Ph.D., of Emory University, emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy sleep habits over time and raised questions about the potential for recovery from insufficient sleep.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on a single study and should not be considered definitive medical advice. Individual sleep needs can vary, and it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. If you1 have concerns about your sleep habits or health, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
