Restorative nighttime sleep can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing several chronic diseases at once — from cardiovascular conditions to diabetes and kidney failure. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Zhengzhou University and Jilin University, who analyzed data from nearly 376,000 participants in the UK Biobank. The study was published in Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation.

The scientists examined how sleep characteristics are connected to the development of a condition in which an individual gradually acquires two or more diseases from a group including heart, vascular, and kidney disorders, as well as type 2 diabetes. This combination sharply increases the risk of early mortality and greatly complicates treatment.

Sleep quality was assessed across six parameters, including duration, chronotype, tendency toward insomnia, and snoring. Participants were followed for an average of nearly 14 years. The analysis showed that people with a healthy sleep profile were significantly less likely to experience both the early signs of disease and its progression. Their risk of receiving a first diagnosis from the group of cardiometabolic conditions was reduced by one third. In addition, good sleep hygiene was associated with a 21% lower risk of death during the follow-up period. The link between high-quality sleep and the prevention of type 2 diabetes was particularly notable, aligning with data on how sleep deprivation affects insulin sensitivity.

According to the authors, these findings strongly support the idea that sleep should become a full-fledged component of preventive medicine. Early diagnosis of sleep disorders and attention to mental well-being may become important tools for improving both longevity and quality of life.