80-Minute Sleep Loss in Teens Exposed to “Forever Chemicals”

Research led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC has shown that levels of “forever chemicals” in the blood are linked with disruptions to a fundamental pillar of health — sleep. 

In the first study to examine that relationship in young adults, participants with higher levels of four specific types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood experienced worse sleep.

The scientists are the first to delve into underlying molecular mechanisms, identifying genes involved with the body’s natural defenses and a hormone that regulates sleep.

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. The vast majority of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.

In recent years, forever chemicals have been associated with health harms from cancer and neurological disease to deficits in hormone and immune function.

The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in the journal Environmental Advances, is among a small body of research concerning PFAS and sleep.

“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.