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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Sleep deprivation disrupts bone marrow function
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
A team of scientists from the Medical College of Wisconsin, led by Professor of Cell Biology and Neuroscience Carol Everson, discovered that chronic sleep deprivation can cause serious disruptions in bone marrow function and affect bone health. The results of the scientists' work were published in the September issue of the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine.
The researchers examined sleep-deprived rats and found abnormalities in bone metabolism markers in their blood serum. The balance between bone growth and bone cell loss was disrupted.
Researchers have identified a disorder in the development of bone tissue in rodents – osteogenesis – a sharp discrepancy was observed in the processes of formation and resorption of bone tissue.
It was also possible to establish that the amount of fat in the red bone marrow significantly decreased, but the number of cells generating platelets increased significantly.
These changes indicate changes in bone marrow plasticity.
“These changes have far-reaching consequences, from an increased risk of osteoporosis to reduced resistance to various diseases, which may be caused by modifications in progenitor cells,” comments Professor Everson.
"Life doesn't get easier with age, that's clear. People are busy at work, have a hectic schedule and financial difficulties that affect our health. This is the reason for lack of sleep. Many people think that there is nothing wrong with not getting enough sleep: if I don't get enough sleep today, I'll get enough sleep later. But this is not true, because irreversible processes occur in our body that negatively affect our health," says Dr. Everson. "Sleep deprivation affects the processes of bone formation in rats, and if these processes are confirmed in humans, then sleep deprivation can threaten quite dangerous consequences, to the point that the human body will not be able to resist diseases. Thus, we found out that lack of normal rest leads to early wear and tear of the body and a weakening of the immune system."
Research by specialists from different countries has shown that lack of sleep can trigger excess weight gain and cause early development of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, poor, restless sleep indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
[