Long-term studies show that those who drop down to five hours or fewer face a 70 per cent extra risk of dying from all causes. They also face twice the risk of death from a cardiovascular problem.

Researchers have warned of the perils of cutting down on sleep to accommodate a 24/7 culture as a new study was published suggesting such a move could almost double the risk of death.

Researchers say both too much and too little sleep is linked to a doubled risk of fatal cardiovascular disease