Longevity Briefs: Adolescents who tend to sleep late have a higher chance of allergies

Longevity briefs provides a short summary of a novel research, medicine, or technology that caught the attention of our researchers in Oxford, due to its potential to improve our health, wellbeing, and longevity.

Why is this research important: Cicardian rhythm plays important role in our health, regulating our metabolism, sleep cycle and behavioural processes. Research has shown that those who prefer to sleep late (also known as “owls”) have a higher chance of metabolic, cardiac and psychological disorders. Perhaps, the immune system is also affected by circadian rhythm?

What did the researchers do: In this study, researches have analysed data from 1684 adolescents of Indian origins between age 13 and 14. Data consisted of occurrence of respiratory syndromes, sleep patterns, parental asthma, presence of pets, exposure to smoke and number of siblings.

Key takeaway(s) from this research: It was found that “owls” have a more frequent occurrence of respiratory syndromes than those who sleep early. Even if the underlying mechanism is still not understood, it was hypothesized that “owls” have a higher chance of impaired melatonin (sleep hormone) homeostasis. Since melatonin is probably involved in immunomodulation, it explains a higher possibility of allergies.

Recommended Products