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In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at USC have established a link between levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in the blood and disruptions to sleep in young adults. This is the first study to explore this relationship, shedding light on how these pervasive chemicals, found in everyday consumer products, may be harming one of the most fundamental aspects of health: sleep.
Published in the journal Environmental Advances, the study draws on data from 144 participants, aged 19 to 24, from the USC Children’s Health Study. Researchers discovered that young adults with higher levels of four specific types of PFAS in their blood — PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS — experienced significantly worse sleep quality and shorter sleep durations. Some participants slept up to 80 minutes less per night than those with lower PFAS levels.
The findings point to a concerning new health risk associated with these long-lasting chemicals, which have been linked to a range of other health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and immune system dysfunction. Unlike most chemicals that break down over time, PFAS remain in the environment and accumulate in human tissues, making them a persistent threat. The majority of Americans now have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, having been exposed through food packaging, cookware, cosmetics, and contaminated water.
A Closer Look at PFAS and Sleep Disruptions
The study’s lead author, Dr. Shiwen (Sherlock) Li, a postdoctoral researcher at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, emphasizes the potential urgency of these findings. “Because the body needs sleep every day, if PFAS are interfering with your sleep, that may affect you more immediately than other chronic health issues,” said Dr. Li. Chronic sleep deprivation has long been associated with serious conditions, including neurological problems, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers also made significant strides in understanding the biological mechanisms behind these disruptions. Using toxicology databases, they explored how PFAS might influence the expression of genes related to sleep and the body’s natural defenses. Notably, they identified two key genes involved in sleep regulation. One, HSD11B1, plays a role in producing cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Disruptions in cortisol production could significantly affect sleep quality.
Another gene, cathepsin B, is associated with cognitive function and memory. Elevated levels of cathepsin B are linked to cognitive decline, which is often accompanied by sleep disturbances, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The study’s findings are particularly concerning given the fact that PFAS have been widely used in products such as nonstick cookware, food packaging, and water-repellent clothing since the 1950s. Though many of the most harmful PFAS compounds have been phased out, newer alternatives with unknown health impacts have taken their place.
Potential Policy Implications
The research also raises important questions about the regulation of these chemicals. With sleep disorders affecting millions globally, the impact of PFAS on sleep could have far-reaching public health implications. Dr. Li and her colleagues suggest that these findings could provide a compelling argument for stricter regulation of forever chemicals.
“Sleep quality is an issue that affects almost everybody, so the impact of PFAS on sleep may have policy implications,” Dr. Li explained. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), underscoring the potential significance of these findings for public health and policy.
The researchers plan to continue investigating the link between PFAS and sleep, with future studies focused on children’s health and brain development, as well as deeper lab-based explorations into the identified genes.
As the study highlights, the invisible threat of PFAS continues to affect not only our environment but also our most essential biological functions. The hope is that further research will drive public awareness and lead to greater regulatory oversight to protect public health.
For further reading: “Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances and disrupted sleep: mediating roles of proteins” by Shiwen Li et al., Environmental Advances, 17 September 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100585.
