Exposure to 'forever chemicals,' commonly found in plastics, is linked to 80 minutes less sleep per night and increased sleep disturbances.
Many people find getting a good night’s sleep challenging, and some research suggests that chemicals like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” could be part of the problem. A recent study found that PFAS exposure is linked to shorter sleep duration and increased sleep disturbances.
Researchers measured PFAS levels and proteins related to metabolism and inflammation in the blood of 136 healthy young adults. They asked the participants about their sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and sleep-related impairments.
They found that, on average, those with the highest PFAS levels in their blood slept roughly 80 minutes less per night than those with the lowest levels. Participants with elevated PFAS levels reported more trouble falling and staying asleep, frequent awakenings, and daytime fatigue.
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The researchers also found that specific proteins—11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme-1 and cathepsin B—might participate in PFAS-driven sleep disruption. 11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme-1 regulates cortisol, influencing metabolism and stress responses, while cathepsin B breaks down proteins, supporting immune functions such as antigen presentation and inflammation.
These findings suggest that PFAS exposure disrupts sleep by altering metabolic and immune pathways. PFAS are principal components of plastic, which can break down and enter the environment as microplastics. Consequently, microplastics may be a major contributor to PFAS exposure. Learn more about microplastics and PFAS exposure in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.