A new study ties risky sleep habits to a higher chance of early death. Vanderbilt University research shows shifts in sleep duration could raise premature death risk by up to 29%. Adults need seven to nine hours nightly for top health, experts say.
Sleep Habits Linked to Early Death Risk
Vanderbilt’s study tracked sleep habits of nearly 47,000 low-income adults aged 40 to 79. It found that changing sleep patterns—like dropping from healthy to short sleep—ups death risk. Only 30% to 45% of Americans hit the recommended seven to nine hours.
Researchers split sleep into short (under seven hours), healthy (seven to nine), and long (over nine). They checked participants’ sleep habits twice, five years apart. Shifting categories, like short to long, flagged the biggest concerns.
Sleep epidemiologist Dayna Johnson notes the study stresses keeping steady, healthy sleep habits. She wonders if poor sleep damage can reverse over time. Less than half of U.S. adults get enough rest, making this a widespread issue.
Breaking Down Dangerous Sleep Habits
The study pinpoints risky sleep habits that jolt health outcomes. Moving from healthy to short or long sleep spells trouble, it says. Sticking to short or long sleep over years also hikes the risk.
Transitions like short to healthy or long to short stir the pot, too. Maintaining odd sleep habits long-term racks up the danger. Johnson adds that steady rest matters more than quick fixes.
Scientists warn against overreacting to the findings, though. The data comes from just two snapshots, not a full picture. Still, aiming for seven to nine hours nightly offers the safest bet.
Vanderbilt’s team brings solid creds, grounding the study in real stats. Published Feb. 28, 2025, it aligns with known sleep science. Thus, it’s a wake-up call for better rest routines.
For many, hitting that sleep sweet spot feels tough. Yet, the study pushes consistent, quality sleep habits as a health must. Small changes could dodge the 29% risk bump.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.