An “unequivocal link” between poor sleeping patterns and premature death was concluded recently in a report from the University of Warwick in Great Britain and the Federico II University Medical School in Italy. The study, published in the journal Sleep, analyzed 16 studies of more than 1.3 million people in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Study participants who slept for less than six hours a night showed a 12% increased risk of premature death as compared with participants who averaged between six and eight hours of nightly slumber. Sleeping too long also was a case for concern, but it is more than likely a symptom – not a cause – of already existing ill health, according to lead research professor Francesco Cappuccino.

It was concluded that consistently sleeping six to eight hours per night may be optimal for health.

For more information on health and sleep, find us on facebook at: facebook.com/mattresstogo.