Missing sleep may shorten life and affect the brain.

An OHSU study published in Sleep Advances found inadequate sleep was linked to higher mortality risk across U.S. counties and ranked as a leading behavioral factor after smoking.

New research from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has linked inadequate sleep to differences in life expectancy. The study, published in Sleep Advances, analyzed nationwide CDC survey data at the county level. Researchers reported that lack of adequate sleep was associated with higher mortality risk in every U.S. state and was a top behavioral driver after smoking. The senior author said he did not expect sleep to be so strongly correlated with life expectancy. Study findings: - The analysis used CDC survey data to identify trends in average life expectancy by county, according to a press release. - Lack of adequate sleep was associated with higher mortality risk in every state and was identified as the leading behavioral factor after smoking. - Senior study author Andrew McHill described the correlation as stronger than expected and noted people should strive for seven to nine hours of sleep, as stated in the release. Summary: The findings suggest sleep may play a larger role in population-level life expectancy than several other behavioral factors. Undetermined at this time.