Long sleep linked to higher risk of early death
A 30-year study of 3,000 people found those sleeping 9+ hours had higher death rates than those sleeping 7-8 hours.
Taiwanese researchers tracked sleeping patterns and death rates across three decades and found a clear pattern. Among people sleeping seven to eight hours, 10.57 deaths occurred per 1,000 during the study.
Mortality rose slightly to 10.97 among those sleeping fewer than six hours and to 11.27 among those sleeping more than nine hours. Scientists point to several possible reasons: longer sleep is linked to high blood pressure, increased inflammation, and disrupted hormone regulation and immune function.
The findings were published in the Journal of Sleep Research. Experts say occasional long sleep is fine, but consistently sleeping nine or more hours might warrant a chat with a doctor, especially if combined with other health concerns.
- 30 years
- Study duration
- More than 3,000 people
- Participants
- 11.27 per 1,000 people
- Mortality at 9+ hours
- 17 percent higher
- Risk increase
Why it mattersSleep duration may become part of routine health check-ups to spot people at higher risk of early death and serious illness.
AustraliaAustralian doctors may begin assessing sleep patterns during standard health appointments to identify at-risk patients.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 d ago
