Getting enough sleep could add years to your life - study

• A new study has revealed the profound effect a lack of sleep can have on longevity.
• According to researchers, ensuring you get enough shut-eye each night support your heart and overall health.
• Scientists reported that, for men who had good sleep behaviour, life expectancy was 4.7 years greater, and for women, it was 2.4 years greater.

According to new research conducted in the US, ensuring you get enough shut-eye each night not only supports the heart and overall health but can also impact longevity.

Following analysis of data from over 172 000 people (average age 50 and 54% women), scientists reported that among those who had kept quality sleep measures, life expectancy was 4.7 years greater for men and 2.4 years greater for women than those who had none or only one of several factors.

These sleep factors included ideal duration, not using sleep medication, and feeling well-rested five days a week. 

Compared to people who had none or just one of the favourable sleep factors, those who had all five were reportedly 30% less likely to die for any reason, 21% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, 19% less likely to die from cancer, and 40% less likely to die of courses other than heart disease or cancer.

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The qualities of good sleep they identified in the study include:

"If people have all these ideal sleep behaviours, they are more likely to live longer," said co-author Dr Frank Qian. "So, if we can improve sleep overall, and identifying sleep disorders is especially important, we may be able to prevent some of this premature mortality."

He added: "Even from a young age, if people can develop these good sleep habits of getting enough sleep, making sure they are sleeping without too many distractions and have good sleep hygiene overall, it can greatly benefit their overall long-term health."

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The study reported that young people who have better sleep habits are less likely to die prematurely.

"It's important for young people to understand that a lot of health behaviours are cumulative over time. Just like we like to say, 'it's never too late to exercise or stop smoking,' it's also never too early. And we should be talking about and assessing sleep more often."

The full study results will be presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual Scientific Session together with the World Congress of Cardiology in later this month.