Irregular sleep patterns pose a greater risk of premature death than previously understood, according to recent research highlighting the importance of consistent sleep habits alongside adequate sleep duration.
Sleep Regularity and Mortality Risk
Studies involving tens of thousands of participants have demonstrated that individuals with irregular sleep schedules face a higher likelihood of early mortality compared to those with consistent sleep-wake timings. This risk is accentuated when irregular sleep is paired with sleeping less than seven hours or more than eight hours per night. The findings suggest that the regularity of sleep timing may be an even stronger predictor of mortality risk than sleep duration alone.
Gender Differences and Health Implications
Research shows notable sex-related differences: men with short, irregular sleep or long, regular sleep patterns show a significant increase in mortality risk, whereas women exhibit the highest risk when experiencing long and irregular sleep. These patterns may also correlate with increased cardiovascular risk, emphasizing that both sleep regularity and duration are crucial for long-term health.
Further, the chronotype known as “night owls,” who tend to stay up late and wake late, face a roughly 9% higher risk of early death, partly due to associated lifestyle factors such as higher tobacco and alcohol use. This reinforces the connection between sleep habits, behavioral factors, and health outcomes.
Overall, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule of 7 to 8 hours nightly emerges as a key strategy to reduce the risk of premature death and promote cardiovascular health.