The ubiquitous PFAS chemical substances could be wreaking havoc on much more than just our environment. According to researchers, they even invade our sleep and disrupt our nights.
Recent analyzes show a worrying correlation between blood levels of certain PFAS and sleep quality. These results particularly affect young adults.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, persist permanently in the environment and are contained in a variety of consumer products. They have been used for decades and are now a cause for concern for scientists.
A University of Southern California study of 144 young adults ages 19 to 24 highlights alarming effects of these chemical compounds on sleep. Four types of PFAS are specifically implicated. People with the highest levels of PFDA, PFHxS and PFOA slept an average of 80 minutes less than the others. PFOS, on the other hand, has been linked to difficulty falling asleep and frequent nighttime awakenings.
The study also showed that these substances affect genes related to sleep, particularly the HSD11B1 gene, which regulates the production of cortisol, a hormone involved in stress management and the sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol disruption caused by PFAS exposure could be a crucial factor in the observed sleep disturbances. A hormonal imbalance has a direct impact on the quality of sleep.
Other genes, such as the one for cathepsin B, are also affected by these substances. This enzyme is known for its association with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
These results raise questions about the long-term health effects of PFAS. Sleep problems could be just the visible side of a much larger problem.
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are a family of more than 4,000 chemical compounds. They have been used since the 1950s and can be found in many everyday products such as food packaging, cosmetics and clothing. What makes them special is their persistence in the environment, which is why they are called “perpetual pollutants”.
PFAS are problematic because they can accumulate in the organism and in the environment. Studies have shown that they are linked to various health problems, including cancer, hormonal imbalances, fertility problems and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. These substances can also impair the immune system and increase the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Recent research has shown that certain forms of PFAS directly disrupt sleep by affecting genes responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This includes the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, as well as other genes related to cognition. These disorders can lead to a significant decrease in sleep quality and duration, especially in young adults.
