Mind, Body & Heart: All you need to know about...

Losing sleep
High levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) also known as “forever chemicals” in your blood can make it difficult for you to sleep properly, which can act as a precursor to several diseases, finds a study.

Forever chemicals are everywhere

Previous studies have shown that the “forever chemicals” have contaminated water, food, and people through products such as Teflon pans, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, and food packaging. Studies have also shown their role in cancers of the breast, ovary, skin, and uterus in women, among other diseases.

The new research led by the University of South California (USC) linked higher levels of four specific types of PFAs in the blood with disruptions to a fundamental pillar of health -- sleep.

How they enter body

PFAS enter the body through contact with consumer items and are even ingested with food and water. They don’t break down easily and can persist in the environment for decades.

Importance of sleep
Sleep is an essential component of good health. A person must sleep 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Prolonged poor sleep may raise chronic health issues, including diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

In the study, published in the journal Environmental Advances, the team collected blood samples and information about sleep from 144 participants, ages 19 to 24. Out of seven types of PFAS examined, PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS affected sleep the most.
The young adults with higher levels of these toxic chemicals in the blood had 80 fewer minutes of sleep at night. They also had trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up, or feeling tired during waking hours.