Research from the Keck School of Medicine at USC has made a groundbreaking connection between “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and sleep disturbances, highlighting a significant threat to a fundamental aspect of health.
This study is the first to link high blood levels of specific PFAS chemicals with poor sleep quality, shedding light on their underlying molecular impact.PFAS: The Hidden Threat in Daily LifePFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are persistent chemicals commonly found in cookware, food packaging, and cosmetics.
These substances enter the body through food, water, and contact with consumer products. Dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down, they can linger in the environment and human bodies for decades.The study, published in Environmental Advances, examined young adults aged 19 to 24 and identified four PFAS chemicals—PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS—linked to disrupted sleep patterns. Participants with the highest levels of these chemicals in their blood experienced shorter and poorer-quality sleep, losing up to 80 minutes of sleep per night compared to those with the lowest levels.
PFAS and Sleep: A Deeper LookDr. Shiwen (Sherlock) Li, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of sleep for overall health:“Because the body needs sleep every day, if PFAS interfere with your sleep, the effects may be more immediate than other chronic health issues.”The researchers identified molecular pathways affected by PFAS, including genes involved in the body’s defense mechanisms and sleep-regulating hormones.
Poor sleep has been linked to long-term health consequences such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurological and behavioral disorders.Legacy PFAS: A Lingering ProblemThough many of the identified PFAS have been phased out since the 2000s, their widespread use from the 1950s to the early 2000s has left a lasting impact.
These “legacy PFAS” are still present in the environment and detectable in the blood of most Americans.Despite being replaced by newer compounds, the safety of these alternatives remains uncertain. Dr. Lida Chatzi and Dr. Max Aung, co-authors of the study, call for closer regulation of PFAS to protect public health.Policy ImplicationsThe study provides compelling evidence for stricter control of PFAS, given their pervasive impact on sleep and broader health.
Sleep disturbances affect millions, and the findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory measures to address these harmful chemicals.Key TakeawayThis groundbreaking research highlights a previously overlooked consequence of PFAS exposure: disrupted sleep.
As awareness of their health risks grows, addressing the prevalence of PFAS in consumer products is critical to safeguarding public health.
+ There are no comments
Add yours