New publications
Lack of sleep can lead to early aging
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Women who are forced to sleep less than 7 hours a day after the birth of a child risk aging prematurely.
Scientists from the University of Los Angeles studied changes in women's DNA during pregnancy and during the first year of the baby's life. More than thirty participants in the age category of 23-45 years were studied. Specialists paid attention to the terminal chromosome parts called telomeres. Their length is indicative for determining a person's biological age: in "older" cells, telomeres are relatively short.
The main purpose of telomeres is to ensure the process of cell division without damaging the genome. When these parts are shortened to the minimum possible length, the cell loses the ability to divide and dies. There is also a special enzyme substance - telomerase, which can lengthen telomeres. However, this enzyme functions only in stem and some malignant structures. If it is discovered that telomeres are noticeably shortened in some cells, this means that the cellular resource is being spent excessively actively.
It is also important to know that structures with shortened telomeres may not die: their continued existence is associated with the development of chronic diseases, including oncopathologies.
In addition to telomeres, scientists have also studied other "sensors" of biological age - in particular, epigenetic modifications of women. Epigenetic changes can occur as a result of a variety of events, including stressful situations, dietary restrictions, etc. In the future, these changes affect gene activity and the general condition of cells. It turns out that over the years, specific marks appear on DNA that do not allow genes to work at full capacity. These marks can also be used to assess biological age.
Scientists have noticed that many young mothers had both the first and second indicators of biological age "running" ahead, and the reason for this was lack of sleep. Small children require a lot of attention, and it is very rare for a woman to allow herself to get enough sleep. According to the observations of specialists, the biological age of those mothers who slept less than 7 hours a day for 10-12 months in a row was 3-7 years higher than that of mothers of the same age category who got enough sleep.
Sleep deficiency negatively affects circadian rhythms, and along with them, metabolic processes, immunity, and brain function. In the future, scientists intend to study other changes in the bodies of young mothers. We are talking about possible physiological disorders, metabolic disorders, and immune failures. Considering that the body experiences severe stress from lack of sleep, its possible long-term consequences should be studied.
Information is described in the publication Sleep Health