Sleep Duration Tied to Faster Aging and Long Naps Linked to Higher Mortality

An international study of roughly 500,000 participants published in *Nature* found that sleeping fewer than six hours or more than eight hours per night is associated with accelerated biological aging across multiple organs, including the brain, lungs, liver, immune system, skin, endocrine system, adipose tissue and pancreas. The researchers observed a U‑shaped relationship, with the lowest estimated biological age occurring at 6.5–7.8 hours of sleep for women and 6.4–7.7 hours for men. Lead author Junhao Wen, an associate professor at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, emphasized that sleep duration is deeply integrated into overall physiology.

Separate research highlighted in the journal *Sleep* shows that sleep patterns change with age, with older adults losing 10–12 minutes of sleep per decade and experiencing lighter, more fragmented rest. While short daytime naps of 15–30 minutes can improve alertness and reduce stress, a 19‑year study published in *JAMA Network Open* of more than 1,300 older adults linked frequent, long naps (over 30 minutes) to an increased risk of mortality, potentially serving as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease, circadian disruption, or neurodegeneration. Experts recommend limiting naps, maintaining regular sleep schedules, exercising, and seeking morning sunlight to support healthier sleep.