09/02/2026
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Sleep is essential for nearly every organ in the body. During sleep, the brain strengthens memories, removes waste products, and regulates hormones that control appetite, metabolism, and stress. The heart and blood vessels also recover while the immune system releases proteins that help fight infections and repair damaged tissues. Consistently sleeping too little can disrupt these processes, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and reduced cognitive function over time.
Research has also found that regularly sleeping much longer than average is associated with a higher risk of chronic illness and premature death. Scientists believe this relationship is more complex than simply sleeping too much. In many cases, unusually long sleep may reflect underlying health conditions, depression, poor sleep quality, or reduced physical activity rather than being the direct cause of disease.
For most adults, experts recommend aiming for about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and getting enough high quality sleep is one of the most effective ways to support long term physical and mental health.