‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Poorer Sleep

Yale Environment 360 | October 18, 2024

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"Young adults with higher levels of certain “forever chemicals” in their blood reported poorer sleep, a new study finds.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because they take decades to degrade naturally, are used in nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and firefighting foams, and have been linked with higher cholesterol, lower fertility, developmental delays in children, and a greater risk of some types of cancer.

For the new study, scientists gathered blood samples from 144 young adults, ages 19 to 24, and measured levels of seven types of PFAS. Researchers found that three types of PFAS were linked to less sleep. Adults with the highest levels of these types reported 80 fewer minutes of sleep on average than those with the lowest levels. A fourth type of PFAS was linked to trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling tired during the day."