The Science of Sleep and Longevity

If you’re not sleeping well, you’re not alone — nearly 1 in 3 adults struggle to fall or stay asleep.¹

A good night’s sleep shapes far more than how you feel tomorrow. It underpins long-term health, resilience and overall wellbeing.

What the Research Shows

Growing evidence suggests that how consistently you sleep may be just as important as how long you sleep.

Research has found that higher sleep regularity is associated with a 20–48% lower risk of all-cause mortality.²

In parallel, a large population-based study linked maintaining healthy sleep habits with meaningful gains in life expectancy.³

Sleep Patterns Linked to Longevity

The science points to a consistent sleep rhythm that typically includes:

• Around 7–8 hours of sleep per night

• Falling asleep with ease

• Staying asleep through the night

• Waking feeling restored

Why Sleep Impacts Longevity

Sleep is a foundational biological process. During regular, restorative sleep, the body supports cellular repair, nervous system regulation and metabolic balance, while the brain clears accumulated waste from waking hours.

Over time, disrupted or irregular sleep may place ongoing strain on these systems, while consistent sleep rhythms help the body function more efficiently, supporting long-term health.

References:

1. HelpGuide 2024, Sleep Statistics, HelpGuide.org

2. Windred, D.P. et al. (2024). Sleep regularity is a stronger predictor of mortality risk than sleep duration. Sleep, 47(1).

3. Li, H. et al. (2023). Association of healthy sleep patterns with risk of mortality and life expectancy. QJM, 117(3), 177–186.