Insufficient Sleep During Adolescence and Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

Insufficient Sleep During Adolescence and Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

Background:

Sleep restriction and poor sleep quality affect immune pathways, which could increase the risk of inflammatory chronic diseases. Shift work, which often results in sleep deprivation and circadian desynchrony, has been associated with an increased risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Study:

This study aimed to explore the impact of sleep duration, circadian disruption, and sleep quality on MS risk in the Swedish population.

Results:

Inadequate and poor-quality sleep during adolescence appears to raise the risk of later developing MS. Getting enough restorative sleep at a young age, essential for proper immune function, might help prevent MS.

Why This Matters to You?

The results of this study suggest that insufficient sleep and low sleep quality could increase the risk of developing MS. It highlighted the importance of adequate sleep at a young age, which is needed for immune functioning and could be a preventative factor against MS. The study recommends educational interventions aimed at adolescents and their parents about the negative health effects of insufficient sleep.