Sleep bout length and nighttime activity predict longevity in medflies

Abstract Sleep, a fundamental biological process, plays a crucial role in health and longevity across species. This study investigates the intricate relationship between sleep characteristics and lifespan in Mediterranean fruit flies (medflies), transcending the traditional focus on sleep duration. We identify specific sleep characteristics that are associated with remaining lifespan and also characterize how sleep patterns change with aging. Longer, uninterrupted sleep bouts are linked to extended lifespans, while increased nighttime activity, particularly in the first half of the night, correlates with reduced longevity. To our knowledge, this is the first study with continuous monitoring of night activity throughout the entire lifespan. It underscores the important role of sleep patterns beyond duration in shaping lifespan.