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Imbalanced sleep increases mortality risk by 14-34%: a meta-analysis
Zoltan Ungvari1,2,3,4,5, Mónika Fekete6, Péter Varga6,7
1Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Geroscience
|March 12, 2025
Summary
Both short sleep duration (less than 7 hours) and long sleep duration (9 or more hours) increase the risk of all-cause mortality in adults. Sex-specific differences were observed, with long sleep duration posing a greater risk for women.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sleep duration is a critical determinant of health, but its precise association with mortality requires further clarification.
- Existing research presents conflicting findings regarding the impact of both insufficient and excessive sleep on longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis investigating the relationship between short and long sleep durations and all-cause mortality in adults.
- To explore potential sex-specific differences in the association between sleep duration and mortality risk.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science) up to October 2024.
- Included were 79 retrospective and prospective cohort studies with adult participants and at least one year of follow-up.
- Pooled hazard ratios were calculated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses stratified by sex and sleep duration categories.
Main Results:
- Short sleep duration (<7 hours) was linked to a 14% increased mortality risk (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.10-1.18).
- Long sleep duration (≥9 hours) was associated with a 34% higher mortality risk (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.26-1.42).
- Both sleep durations elevated mortality risk in men and women, with a more pronounced effect of long sleep in women.
Conclusions:
- Both short and long sleep durations are significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality.
- The magnitude of mortality risk associated with sleep duration varies between sexes.
- Findings emphasize the need to consider optimal sleep duration in public health initiatives for longevity and advocate for sex-specific sleep health research.
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