Sleep is about more than rest. Influenced by the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, sleep plays an important role in overall health and well-being. While factors such as busy schedules, changing routines, and seasonal time shifts can disrupt healthy sleep patterns, growing research suggests the effects of poor sleep may extend far beyond next-day fatigue.

A comprehensive review published in 2025 found that insufficient sleep was associated with increased risks across cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health outcomes, reinforcing sleep’s role as a foundational component of long-term health.¹

“Sleep influences nearly every system in the body,” said Cigna Healthcare’s Dr. Tina Waters, medical principal, Clinical Care Management. “While many people think of sleep as recovery time, research increasingly shows it plays an important role in cardiovascular health, metabolic function, emotional well-being, and long-term health outcomes. When sleep is consistently disrupted, the effects can extend far beyond feeling tired the next day.”

Findings from the research:

• The connection between sleep and cardiovascular health: Insufficient sleep was associated with increased risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. Researchers suggest inflammation, elevated stress hormones, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system may contribute to these associations.
  
  
• Sleep’s role in metabolic health: The review identified links between insufficient sleep and obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. It also found a “U-shaped” relationship between sleep duration and health outcomes, with the lowest health risks generally observed among adults sleeping seven to nine hours per night.
  
  
• Impacts on mental and emotional well-being: Insufficient sleep was associated with anxiety, irritability, mood disturbances, impaired emotional regulation, and greater difficulty responding to stressful situations. Researchers also noted a bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health, with poor sleep affecting emotional well-being and mental health concerns interfering with healthy sleep patterns.

The authors concluded that sleep should be viewed as an important component of overall health, alongside nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. While research continues to evolve, the findings add to a growing body of evidence that consistent, high-quality sleep plays an important role in supporting cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental well-being throughout life.

Interested in the research behind these findings? Explore the full study, which analyzed evidence from 29 systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the health impacts of sleep deprivation.

Additional resources

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1. Shah AS, Pant MR, Bommasamudram T, et al. Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Published online May 27, 2025. doi:10.1177/15598276251346752.