Sleeping less than five hours linked to multiple diseases in later life – study

The team found at age 50, those who slept five hours or less had a 30% greater risk of multimorbidity over the 25 years of follow-up, compared with those who slept seven hours.

The researchers involved in the study recommend getting between seven and eight hours of sleep every night (Peter Byrne/PA)

Adults over 50 who get less than five hours of sleep at night may have an increased risk of developing at least two chronic diseases, research suggests.

Evidence from self-reported data indicates that compared to those who slept for up to seven hours a night, people who reported getting five hours or less shut eye were 30% more likely to be diagnosed with diseases – such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease – over the span of 25 years.