Sleep Duration and Mortality in Women: Effect of Aging and Menopause

Growing research highlights a U-shaped link between women's sleep duration and mortality risk. Both insufficient and excessive sleep are tied to higher death rates, while a consistent 7 to 8 hours of nightly rest is associated with the lowest risk. This trend spans diverse populations, though age, menopause, and race/ethnicity shape risk differences. Underlying drivers include cardiometabolic strain, sleep disorders, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and cognitive decline. To improve outcomes, promoting healthy sleep should be central in women's health care, with targeted interventions and education supporting sustainable, restorative sleep practices.