Exposition gegenüber bestimmten PFAS-„Ewig-Chemikalien“ im Zusammenhang mit Schlafstörungen. Menschen mit Blutwerten im höchsten Drittel schliefen pro Nacht rund 80 Minuten weniger. Erhöhte PFOS-Konzentrationen sind mit Schwierigkeiten beim Ein- und Durchschlafen, häufigem Aufwachen oder Müdigkeit während des Tages verbunden.

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666765724001030

From the linked article:

Exposure to certain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals is linked to sleep disturbances, according to researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Published in Environmental Advances, their study identified four types of PFAS significantly associated with reduced sleep quality.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products for their water- and stain-resistant properties. They are commonly found in items like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging and firefighting foams. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, break down very slowly in the environment and can accumulate in human bodies over time.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to health issues such as hormonal disruption, weakened immune systems and increased risk of certain cancers. Emerging research has also associated PFAS exposure with increased sleep disturbances, although studies using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys showed mixed results.

Sleep disorders encompass a range of conditions that impact normal sleep patterns. The most common sleep disorder, insomnia, affects around one-third of adults, potentially impacting their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Long-term sleep disturbances are associated with negative impacts on various parts of the body, including the heart, liver and brain.

Out of the seven types of PFAS measured, four were significantly associated with reduced sleep or a worse quality of sleep: PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA and PFOS.

For the first 3 types of PFAS, participants with blood levels in the highest third of the group slept around 80 minutes less per night on average compared to those in the lowest third. High combined PFAS levels were also associated with shorter sleep duration. Elevated PFOS concentrations were linked to self-reported difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, waking frequently or feeling tired during the day.

Is there anything that can help us get rid of these?

We are forever learning new ways PFAs hurt everything.