Background Little is known about a possible association between sleep duration and the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), in healthy people. In this systematic review, we conducted a literature search to examine possible association between sleep duration and the incidence of AF. Methods Scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Embase) were searched using relevant Medical Subject Headings and keywords, to retrieve studies written in English and published until November 2017. Only population-based observational studies were included. Since sleep duration categories were not consistent, it was feasible to run a meta-analysis. Results Six eligible studies were included. Long sleep duration (≥ 8 hours) was found to be associated with an increased risk of AF (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.27 and aHR= 1.5, 95% CI: 1.07-2.10) in two studies. One study reported that sleep duration less than 6 hours was associated with an increased risk of AF (aHR= 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18 -2.13) compared to sleeping for 6-7 hours. In two studies, mean sleep duration was lower in AF groups compared to the non-AF group. Insomnia was associated with an increased risk of AF in another study (aHR= 1.33, 95% CI: 1.25-1.41). Conclusions Unhealthy sleep duration, defined as either less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours, may be associated with an increased risk of AF.