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Claim: X user, @Fact claims that the lack of sleep and going to sleep irregularly can lead to early death.
Verdict: True. Credible scientific research and experts back the claim that a lack of sleep and irregular sleep patterns can lead to early death.
Full Text
Sleep is essential for overall health, as it impacts brain function, mood, memory, focus, and emotional balance. Like diet and exercise, good sleep regulates appetite hormones, boosts immunity, supports growth and mental health, and lowers accident risk.
Adults need 7–9 hours of sleep. Poor sleep can harm one’s health, increase the risk of chronic illness, and impair performance.
On July 3, 2025, an X user, @Fact, claimed that lack of sleep and irregular sleeping patterns in humans can lead to death. The post read: “Lack of sleep and going to sleep irregularly can lead to early death.”
As of July 26, 2025, the post has garnered 440 reactions, 66 reposts, and 15 comments.
Some users on the platform expressed genuine worry about this claim, while others dismissed the statement as alarmist.
An X user, Ella.Moore, (@monagan1979) reacted with concern, writing, “Yikes, that’s scary! I need to fix my sleep schedule ASAP. @Joshuastock32 always talks about good sleep habits—maybe he has tips?”
Another user, No 1 CHELSEA FC HATER (@reverend_eskay), responded wryly, “So I’m going to die early? Well, I’ve always known.”
In contrast, Omo Daada (@Beamborkate1) firmly rejected the idea, commenting, “God forbid.”
Iwasneveronearth (@_smallwig) questioned the claim, skeptically asking, “Do you have the receipts for this?”
While it is scientifically proven that sleep is essential for human well-being, the claim that irregular sleep patterns could lead to death caused people to react with worry, disbelief, and even humour. This mix of reactions prompted DUBAWA to examine the claim more closely from a public health perspective.
Verification
According to a large meta-analysis published in Sleep, sleeping less than 6 hours a night significantly raises the risk of early death, as habitual short sleepers had a 12% higher risk of premature mortality compared to those getting 7 to 8 hours. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts hormone balance, triggers inflammation, and damages blood vessels, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people with significant day-to-day variations in sleep duration or timing had over twice the risk of heart disease and early death. Researchers explained that irregular sleep patterns disrupt circadian rhythm, the internal body clock that regulates hormones, metabolism, and tissue repair.
Persistent insomnia and chronic sleep restriction significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, as inadequate or poor-quality sleep raises blood pressure, fuels inflammation, and disrupts glucose metabolism. These processes contribute to heart disease, stroke, and heart failure, which remain among the leading causes of premature death worldwide. This highlights the serious consequences of neglecting sleep health.
A July 2024 study of over 1,000 Nigerian adults found widespread poor sleep, with many scoring just above 50 per cent on global sleep health measures. Lead researcher Jesujoba Olanrewaju described it as a public health emergency, warning that inadequate sleep may worsen the nation’s growing burden of heart disease, diabetes, and early death.
Experts respond
Adeyemi Adefidipe, a consultant histopathologist at Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, says there is evidence linking poor sleep to early death.
He added that heart disease remains the leading global cause of death, especially among men.
“There may be a link between lack of sleep, which generally we refer to as insomnia, and a risk of early death, as it can raise blood pressure and constitute a risk of shutting down the heart at any time.”
For those with busy schedules, Adeyemi advised adopting good sleep habits. “No individual should have less than six hours of sleep in a day, as it helps the body reformat and recover. It’s essential to create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping bedrooms dark, quiet, and free from distractions such as televisions and phones. Avoid heavy late-night meals, and clear the mind of work-related worries to improve sleep quality.”
DUBAWA also spoke with Samson Babalola, Head of Wellness and Occupational Health at Total Health Trust Limited, and author of “Resilient Work Lives.” Samson confirmed that chronic lack of sleep and irregular sleep patterns can raise the risk of early death.
“Sleeping less than seven hours a night increases all-cause mortality risk by about 14%, and very short or very long sleep durations are linked to heart disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia,” he explained.
He advised maintaining regular sleep and wake times, keeping the bedroom dark and calm, limiting caffeine intake in the evening, and getting daily exposure to sunlight.
“If sleep problems persist, it’s important to seek professional help,” he added. “Good sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a proven pillar of health and longevity,” he concluded.
Conclusion
Research and experts confirm that a chronic lack of sleep and irregular sleep patterns raise the risk of premature death, mainly by increasing the chances of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe conditions. Therefore, the claim is valid.
