Sleep May Be More Important for Longevity Than Diet or Exercise

Show Voice Options A major new study suggests that chronic lack of sleep may reduce life expectancy more than poor diet or low physical activity. Researchers found that insufficient sleep was strongly associated with higher risk of early mortality, reinforcing the idea that sleep is not just a lifestyle choice but a fundamental pillar of long-term health alongside nutrition and exercise.Sleep plays a central role in regulating hormones, repairing tissues, consolidating memory and supporting immune function. Poor sleep disrupts blood sugar control, increases inflammation and raises stress hormone levels, all of which contribute to higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health disorders. Scientists say these biological effects help explain why sleep duration and quality are so closely tied to longevity.The study showed that people who consistently slept too little had significantly worse long-term outcomes compared with those who met healthy sleep ranges. Even when accounting for diet and physical activity, insufficient sleep remained one of the strongest predictors of reduced lifespan. Researchers warn that modern lifestyles, screen exposure and chronic stress are driving widespread sleep deprivation globally.