Both too much sleep and too little sleep are linked to faster biological aging across multiple organs. Your sleep habits may be affecting more than just your energy level. A recent study suggests it could affect how rapidly each organ in your body ages.
Researchers at the Sleep Foundation examined data from nearly half a million people in the UK to assess how sleep duration related to aging across different organs. Using advanced “biological aging clocks” powered by machine learning (ML), the team measured aging in 17 systems, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and immune system.
The findings, published on May 13, 2026, in a leading journal, revealed a U-shaped pattern: people who slept fewer than 6 hours per night or more than 8 hours per night showed signs of faster biological aging across their bodies.
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The optimal aging process was observed in individuals who slept 6.4 to 7.8 hours. Short sleep duration increased the risk of developing various diseases like depression, anxiety, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Moreover, both short and long sleepers were at risk of getting diseases related to the lungs and the digestive system, which included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, gastritis, and acid reflux.
According to the study’s authors, the findings demonstrated the extent of sleep’s impact on overall body function.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.