16/03/2025
A recent study has found that common chemicals previously used in cookware, food packaging and cosmetics could be damaging sleep. University of Southern California (USC) researchers found that certain PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in young adults’ blood are linked to poor sleep quality. This study highlights the potential health risks and supports further regulation of these persistent pollutants. Specifically, participants with higher levels of four types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood experienced worse sleep. The scientists also delved into underlying molecular mechanisms, identifying possible genes involved.
“Because the body needs sleep every day, if PFAS might be interfering with your sleep, that may affect you more immediately than other chronic health issues,” said first and corresponding author Shiwen (Sherlock) Li, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine. “Long-term, poor sleep has been connected to outcomes including neurological and behavioural problems, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.”
The researchers collected blood samples and information about sleep from 144 participants, aged 19 to 24, who were part of the USC Children’s Health Study. Two sets of measurements were taken years apart, with about half of the participants contributing to both.
Out of the seven types of PFAS examined, four were significantly associated with less sleep or worse quality of sleep: PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS.
For the first three of these, young adults with blood levels in the highest one-third slept an average of about 80 fewer minutes nightly than those in the lowest third. High combined levels of PFAS also correlated with shorter sleep. For PFOS, high blood concentrations were significantly linked to self-reported problems falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up or feeling tired during waking hours.
All four are considered “legacy PFAS.” Though widely used from the 1950s to the early 2000s, they have since been largely phased out in favour of similar compounds with unknown safety profiles. “It could be a matter of cumulative exposure over time,” Li said. “What we measured in the blood is likely driven by exposure since birth, or even prenatal exposures.”
The team analysed the four types of PFAS using toxicology databases that compile research connecting chemicals, diseases and changes in gene expression. Because no previous research drew together PFAS, sleep and gene expression, the team looked at the overlap between genes affected by the four forever chemicals and genes related to sleep disorders.
The investigators then profiled a panel of proteins from participants’ blood samples. Out of 600-plus candidate genes, seven activated by PFAS seemed to influence sleep. One important factor was an immune-oriented gene called HSD11B1. It helps produce cortisol, which plays an important role in regulating the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness.
“If the expression of the protein encoded by HSD11B1 is disrupted, that means that cortisol levels could also be disrupted,” Li said. “That, in turn, affects sleep.” Another gene seemingly prominent in the PFAS impact on sleep, cathepsin B, is related to cognitive function and memory.
Such studies strengthen the case for the use of natural treatments that enhance detoxification as part of a regular health regime in this current era.
For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/usc-study-common-chemicals-found-in-cookware-food-packaging-and-cosmetics-could-be-ruining-your-sleep/
