A new study published in Sleep journal reveals that sleep regularity is a stronger predictor of mortality risk than sleep duration. Researchers analyzed data from over 60,000 participants in the UK Biobank, tracking sleep patterns via accelerometry over seven days.

The study found that individuals with the most irregular sleep schedules had a 53% higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with consistent sleep timing, even after adjusting for total sleep duration, age, sex, and health factors. Irregular sleep was also linked to higher risks of cancer and cardiometabolic mortality.

While sleep duration remains important, the findings suggest that maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake times may be equally or more critical for long-term health. The authors emphasize that sleep regularity is a modifiable behavior, offering a practical target for public health interventions.