Sleep restriction increases blood neutrophils, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in postmenopausal women:: A preliminary study

Objectives: This study examines the effects of sleep restricted to 4 h for three consecutive nights on blood parameters known to be associated with cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women. Material and methods: Ten healthy postmenopausal women aged 55-65 years treated with hormonal replacement therapy (HT) were included in the study. After one baseline night, three nights of sleep restricted to 4 h were performed and were followed by one recovery night of 8 h. Blood samplings were performed after the baseline night and after the third night of sleep restriction. Results: A significant increase in white blood cells (WBC), monocytes, neutrophils, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) was observed after the third night of sleep restriction. Conclusion: Sleep restriction to 4 h of sleep for three consecutive nights affected two factors associated with cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women treated with HT. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.