Discovery: these four chemicals strongly disrupt our sleep

PFAS, ubiquitous chemical substances, may disrupt far more than just our environment. According to researchers, they could intrude into our sleep, disturbing our nights.

Recent analyses reveal a troubling correlation between the levels of certain PFAS in the blood and sleep quality. These findings are especially relevant to young adults.


PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, persist in the environment for long periods and are found in a wide range of consumer products. Used for decades, they have recently become a growing concern for researchers.

A study, conducted by the University of Southern California on 144 young adults aged 19 to 24, highlights alarming effects of these chemical compounds on sleep. Four types of PFAS are specifically implicated. Subjects with the highest levels of PFDA, PFHxS, and PFOA slept an average of 80 fewer minutes than others. As for PFOS, it was associated with difficulty falling asleep and frequent nighttime awakenings.

The study also showed that these substances altered genes linked to sleep, notably HSD11B1, which regulates cortisol production, a hormone involved in stress management and the sleep-wake cycle. The disruption of cortisol, caused by exposure to PFAS, could be a determining factor in the observed sleep disorders. Indeed, hormonal imbalance directly impacts sleep quality.

Other genes, such as that of cathepsin B, are also affected by these substances. This enzyme is known for its connection to Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.

These findings raise questions about the long-term health impact of PFAS. Sleep disorders could merely be the visible tip of a much broader problem.

What are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of over 4,000 chemical compounds. Used since the 1950s, they are found in numerous everyday products such as food packaging, cosmetics, and clothing. Their key characteristic is their persistence in the environment, which has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

PFAS pose problems due to their ability to accumulate in both the body and the environment. Studies have shown that they are linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormonal disruptions, fertility issues, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. These substances can also affect the immune system and increase the risks of neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Recent research has revealed that certain forms of PFAS directly disrupt sleep by affecting genes responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This includes the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, as well as other genes tied to cognition. These disruptions can lead to a significant decrease in the quality and duration of sleep, particularly in young adults.