Could adolescent sleep patterns influence their propensity to develop asthma and allergies? This is the question posed by an international team of researchers. To carry out their study, published in the newspaper ERJ Open Research, scientists interviewed 1684 adolescents living in West Bengal, India, about their sleep preferences and respiratory health.
Each participant was asked whether they had been diagnosed with asthma or had experienced symptoms of rhinitis, such as wheezing, runny nose or cough. Result: 23.6% of late risers reported having asthma, compared to 6.2% of early risers.
Over 200 million asthmatics worldwide
“Compared to early morners, those who go to bed late are about three times more likely to develop asthma., believes doctor Subhabrata Moitra, researcher and member of the Alberta Respiratory Center, University of Alberta (Canada). We also found that symptoms of allergic rhinitis are twice as likely to occur in late risers as in people who sleep early in the evening ”.
According to the scientist, more than 200 million people suffer from asthma worldwide. It is believed to be the most common noncommunicable disease in children, with an increasing number of cases each year. “Our ancestors evolved to wake up when the sun rises and to go to bed when the sun sets, says Doctor Moitra. However, a preference for the night seems inevitable for this young generation “. At issue: access to digital screens at all hours.
“Perfect sleep results from good melatonin cycles”
The researchers go further: they envisage that adolescents who go to bed late at night experience a lack of sleep or interrupted nights. For them, the light that comes from television, computer and smartphone screens disrupts the production and proper functioning of melatonin, known as “the sleep hormone “.
“Perfect sleep results from good melatonin cycles”, says Dr. Moitra, adding that it can also affect the immune system. However, it has been shown that the development of asthma and allergies can come from alterations of the latter. Before the researchers continue their research on the subject, they insist that clinicians ask more behavioral questions to their patients when they diagnose them with allergies or asthma.
“Ask ourselves about our eating and sleeping habits”
“We need to be more vigilant about our eating and sleeping habits, as these behaviors can be changed to help get rid of the symptoms”, says Doctor Moitra. For the scientist, melatonin supplements could relieve insomnia, provided that they are not taken regularly, so as not to disturb the natural production of hormone. Another possibility to find a healthier sleep pattern: limit exposure to artificial light after dark.
–
