Alarming Results from Global Sleep Study
A massive new study involving over 3 million participants worldwide has found that men who sleep less than 6 hours a night are at significantly higher risk of early death compared to those who get 7–8 hours. The research shows that insufficient sleep raises the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression — all of which shorten lifespan.
Why Men Are More Affected
Researchers discovered that men tend to underestimate their sleep needs. Many push through fatigue due to demanding work schedules, late-night screen time, or stress. Over time, this habit leads to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and weakened immune response. The study found that men are 30% more likely than women to suffer from the long-term effects of sleep deprivation.
The Science Behind the Damage
When the body doesn’t get enough rest, it overproduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and reduces testosterone. This imbalance increases inflammation, which damages arteries and internal organs. Poor sleep also raises blood sugar levels and makes men more prone to insulin resistance — an early step toward diabetes.
Lifestyle and Prevention
Experts recommend setting a fixed bedtime, avoiding caffeine after mid-afternoon, and staying away from phone screens before sleeping. Practicing meditation or simple breathing exercises before bed can calm the nervous system and improve rest quality. Men who work night shifts or irregular hours are advised to schedule naps and maintain consistent sleeping patterns as much as possible.
Global Health Perspective
Public health agencies around the world are urging employers and governments to take sleep seriously as a key factor in men’s health. Chronic sleep deprivation is now being discussed alongside smoking and poor diet as a top risk factor for premature death.
