Why Trimming Bedtime May Boost Your Lifespan

Sleeping more than 7.5 hours accounted for ~5 % of all deaths in a 1.1-million-person study (source).

Reason #1: Poor-Quality Sleep Hides Behind Long Hours

Fragmented nights push you to linger in bed, yet that extra time often masks insomnia, fatigue, and groggy mornings. Microscopic studies show long sleepers have more wake bouts than those clocking 7 hours—evidence quality beats quantity.

Reason #2: Sleep Restriction Can Be Therapeutic

Cognitive-behavioral therapists clinically reduce time in bed to treat insomnia. Just 1-2 weeks of controlled restriction sharpen sleep drive, lift mood, and restore deep-wave cycles—especially in older adults who “over-rest.”

Reason #3: Longevity Mirrors Calorie Logic

Like mild fasting boosts metabolic health, modest sleep trimming (aiming 7 hours) may trigger cellular repair pathways. Long sleepers who cut 60–90 minutes often report brighter mornings and steadier energy within days.

Takeaway: If you regularly log 9-hour nights yet wake drained, experiment with a shorter sleep window and track how you feel. Small cuts could pay long-term dividends.

As I always say, “Your body never lies.” — Dr. Oliver