Scientists warn: Sleeping more than 8 hours? These are the consequences

A new study from Columbia University, published in the journal Nature, analyzed data from about half a million people and found that sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours a night is linked to faster biological aging of internal organs. The "golden range" for sleep, where the lowest aging levels were recorded, is between 6.4 and 7.8 hours per day. The researchers emphasize that the findings do not prove definitive causality.

A new study from Columbia University, published in the scientific journal Nature, found a link between sleep duration and the rate of biological aging of internal organs. The researchers, led by Professor Junhao Wen, analyzed data from about half a million participants from the UK Biobank. Using artificial intelligence and biological markers, they developed 23 "biological clocks" measuring the aging rate of 17 organ systems. The analysis showed a clear U-shaped pattern: short sleep (less than 6 hours) or long sleep (over 8 hours) were found to be associated with faster aging. The "golden range" where the lowest aging levels were recorded is between 6.4 and 7.8 hours of sleep per day. Short sleep was also linked to anxiety disorders, depression, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Both short and long sleep were associated with chronic lung diseases and digestive issues. The researchers clarify that the findings do not prove definitive causality but indicate a broad connection between sleep, the brain, and the body.