Medicine

Your sleep hours could speed up or slow down aging

How the science connects

Circadian rhythmSleepBiological aging

AI Insight

A study examining 23 biological aging clocks found that sleep duration outside the range of approximately 6.4 to 7.8 hours per day is associated with accelerated biological aging. Both insufficient and excessive sleep were linked to faster aging processes throughout the body. The research also identified correlations between non-optimal sleep duration and various health conditions affecting multiple organ systems including the brain, cardiovascular system, lungs, metabolism, and digestive tract.


This research provides quantifiable evidence that sleep duration affects biological aging at a systemic level, suggesting that maintaining optimal sleep habits could be a practical intervention for healthier aging. The findings may inform public health recommendations and help individuals understand the importance of achieving moderate sleep duration for long-term health outcomes.


Both too little and too much sleep may be linked to faster aging throughout the body. Researchers analyzing 23 biological aging clocks found the lowest aging levels among people sleeping about 6.4 to 7.8 hours per day. Short or long sleep was also associated with numerous conditions affecting the brain, heart, lungs, metabolism, and digestive system.

Source: Too much or too little sleep may make your body age faster