Hidden sleep danger could increase risk of 172 diseases, major study reveals

A major study of 88,461 adults finds that sleep irregularity is linked to an increased risk of 172 diseases, including Parkinson's, diabetes and kidney failure.

"It’s time we broaden our definition of good sleep beyond just duration." Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

The researchers analyzed nearly seven years of UK Biobank sleep data from 88,461 adults averaging 62 years of age, focusing on multiple traits that included nocturnal sleep duration, sleep onset timing, sleep rhythm and sleep fragmentation, according to a press release.