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 4h 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 4h were performed and were followed by one recovery night of 8h. 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 4h of sleep for three consecutive nights affected two factors associated with cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women treated with HT.