When it comes to living a long and healthy life, we tend to focus on the big things: eating right, exercising, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive drinking. But there's one common health mistake that often flies under the radar — and it could be silently shaving years off your life: neglecting your sleep.

Yes, sleep! It's something we do every night, and yet millions of Americans are unknowingly sabotaging their health by not getting enough of it or failing to prioritize its quality. Here's why sleep matters more than you think and what you can do to fix this sneaky health mistake before it catches up with you.

The High Price of Poor Sleep

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that one-third of U.S. adults don't get the recommended seven or more hours of sleep per night. Many people treat sleep as optional, but sleep deprivation can seriously impact long-term health.

Chronic lack of sleep is linked to some of the most severe health issues, including:

• Heart disease: Not getting enough sleep can increase your blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Obesity: The hormones that control hunger are disrupted by sleep deprivation, which causes overeating and weight gain.
• Diabetes: Your body's ability to process glucose becomes impaired, putting you at risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Weakened immune system: Sleep is crucial for your body's ability to fend off illness. Chronic sleep deprivation leaves you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

In short, poor sleep can age your body faster than just about anything else.

How Sleep Affects Longevity

Studies have shown that people who consistently get too little sleep are more likely to die prematurely than those who get the right amount of rest. In fact, one study found that individuals who regularly sleep less than six hours a night are 12% likely to die earlier than those who sleep seven to eight hours.

Why does this happen? Sleep isn't just a time for your body to rest; it's a time for your body to repair. When you sleep, your brain clears toxins, your muscles recover from the day's exertions, and your immune system strengthens to protect you from future threats. Without enough quality sleep, these vital processes get interrupted, leading to increased inflammation, higher stress levels, and a shorter lifespan.

How to Fix Your Sleep Habits

Here are some simple tips to help you improve your sleep quality starting tonight:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule: To help maintain your body's natural rhythm, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyone else does, including on weekends.
• Develop a relaxing nighttime routine: You can read, enjoy a warm bath or practice meditation rather than watching TV or using your phone.
• Limit screen exposure before bed: Blue light reflected from electronic devices can irritate your melatonin production, a key hormone for sleep regulation.
• Be cautious about food and drink: Skip heavy meals and avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime to improve your chances of a restful night.

Don't let unhealthy sleep patterns prevent you from living the vibrant life you deserve. By prioritizing sleep and understanding its importance, you'll not only improve your daily well-being but may also extend your lifespan. Remember, quality sleep is one of the most effective tools for longevity, and it's entirely within your reach.