Poor sleep among young people is associated with early signs of biological stress

Chronic lack of sleep not only worsens well-being, but also triggers complex mechanisms of disruption in different body systems. According to Professor Melinda Casement, co-author of the study, the analysis of biomarkers helps to identify the risk of diseases at an early stage and to intervene in time.

The study is based on data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which covers more than 2,700 adolescents and young adults. The scientists analyzed 13 biological indicators — from blood pressure and cholesterol levels to the number of white blood cells — to assess the degree of accumulated stress in the body, known as allostatic load. Increased stress makes the body vulnerable to mental and physical disorders.

The researchers paid special attention to snoring, which turned out to be the most common and significant symptom among young people with biological signs of dysfunction. Women with metabolic and immune system disorders were five times more likely to report snoring. Scientists attribute this to the risk of developing sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing temporarily stops during sleep, disrupting the body’s recovery.

Interestingly, other factors of poor sleep, such as short sleep duration or low daytime alertness, did not show such a clear association with changes in the body. Perhaps their effects manifest themselves later, with chronic sleep disorders.

The researchers note that young people usually have greater physiological stability, but alarm signals are already visible. “We are seeing the first biological signs that sleepless nights can ‘soak into the skin’ and increase the risk of future diseases,” says study co—author Jason Carbone.

Experts believe that improving sleep, especially treating snoring and sleep apnea, can be an effective way to reduce health risks even before mental or cardiovascular diseases begin to develop.