Study reveals how sleep duration directly impacts biological ageing

A new study has uncovered how sleep duration affects the body’s ageing process. Researchers using UK Biobank data found that both too little and too much sleep can speed up biological ageing. The findings, published in Nature, suggest a narrow window for optimal rest to maintain health. The study analysed sleep patterns and their impact on biological age. For men, the ideal range for slowing ageing was 6.4 to 7.7 hours per night. Women benefited most from 6.5 to 7.8 hours of sleep.

Deviating from these ranges appeared to accelerate wear on key organs. Chronic sleep deprivation took a toll on the immune system, skin, lungs, and liver. At the other extreme, consistently needing over nine hours of sleep may indicate underlying health problems. Researchers described the relationship as a U-shaped curve. Too little or too much sleep both correlated with faster biological ageing. The study, reported by Alexei Nikonov of Statsionar-Press, highlights the importance of balanced rest for long-term health.

The findings provide clear sleep targets for minimising ageing effects. Men and women now have specific ranges to aim for each night. Sticking within these limits could help protect vital organs and slow the body’s natural decline over time.