journal · Public research summary
Sleep regularity is a stronger predictor of mortality risk than sleep duration: a prospective cohort study
More regular sleep-wake timing was associated with lower mortality. Regularity predicted all-cause mortality more strongly than duration in the study's models.
Educational only. Associations do not establish individual risk or diagnosis. Read the original sources and limitations. Editorial review: 2026-10-06.
Citation
Windred DP et al. · Sleep · 2024 · DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad253
Study design
Device-measured prospective cohort
Population
60,977 UK Biobank participants; mean age 62.8; mean follow-up 6.3 years.
Measured outcome
Mortality association with sleep regularity
Finding
More regular sleep-wake timing was associated with lower mortality. Regularity predicted all-cause mortality more strongly than duration in the study's models.
Limitations
Prediction within a cohort is not proof that changing bedtime prolongs an individual's life. Selection, confounding and a short device-measurement period matter. No life-years estimate.
Habit topics
Keep a steadier sleep rhythm
Interpretation
Research comparisons are not personal lifespan predictions. Years from different studies, habits, populations and outcomes cannot be added. Supporting studies do not validate the numeric estimate of another study.