How much sleep you need to age more slowly – scientists
A new study from Columbia University has found that the lowest rates of biological aging are observed in people who sleep between 6.4 and 7.8 hours per night. Sleeping less than six hours or more than eight hours is associated with accelerated aging. Researchers emphasize that this is a correlation, not a causal relationship.
A major new study by Columbia University and the international MULTI Consortium has identified a link between sleep duration and the rate of biological aging. Scientists analyzed data from approximately 500,000 people aged 37 to 84, developing 23 'aging clocks' to assess the biological age of the body and individual organs. The lowest aging rates were recorded in people sleeping between 6.4 and 7.8 hours per night. Sleeping less than six hours or more than eight hours is associated with accelerated aging. Researchers stress that this is a correlation, not a causal relationship: long sleep may be a sign of illness rather than its cause. For most adults, the CDC recommends at least seven hours of sleep, while the National Institute on Aging recommends 7–9 hours for older adults. Experts advise maintaining sleep regularity, going to bed and waking up at the same time, getting morning light, and reducing bright light in the evening.