Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are found in numerous everyday products, including food packaging, non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and industrial waste. These substances are extremely durable and nearly impossible to decompose due to their resistance to heat, oil, and water. As a result, PFAS may linger in the environment for years and eventually build up in our food.
Measurable concentrations of PFAS are present in the bloodstreams of nearly all Americans, as per ATSDR data. This is unsurprising, given the constant exposure through popular consumer items and environmental contamination, especially from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
While much discussion around PFAS has focused on their links to cancer and immune dysfunction, research is expanding. A growing body of research explores how PFAS could affect something even more immediate: your sleep. Let’s see how these forever chemicals may rob us of restful, restorative sleep.

The Hidden Health Risks of PFAS
PFAS contamination has become a major public health concern due to its connection to severe long-term health issues. Research published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials links these substances to various cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer. They are also associated with liver damage and hormone disruption.
Additionally, these long-lasting, synthetic chemicals are linked to immune system suppression and reproductive issues. Moreover, PFAS interferes with the body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormones critical for growth and metabolism. They’ve also been linked to neurological disorders, such as ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease.
One major source of PFAS contamination is AFFF, which has been used for decades at military bases, airports, and fire departments. This foam has contaminated groundwater and drinking water, putting communities at risk. In response, the AFFF foam lawsuit was initiated to confront this issue. This legal action represents growing efforts to hold manufacturers accountable for the health hazards linked to PFAS exposure.
The Startling Connection Between PFAS and Sleep
A groundbreaking study conducted by the Keck School of Medicine of USC is the first to delve into a specific area. The study explores the link between the concentration of PFAS in the blood and how it impacts sleep quality in young adults. Participants aged 19 to 24 had their blood PFAS levels measured and were surveyed on their sleep patterns.
The findings revealed that higher levels of four specific PFAS—PFDA, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS—were associated with worse sleep quality. Individuals with the highest concentrations of these chemicals in their blood slept less. On average, they got 80 minutes less sleep per night compared to those with the lowest concentrations.
The Biological Mechanism of How PFAS Disrupts Sleep
One of the main ways PFAS disrupts sleep is by affecting cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that controls the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. When cortisol levels are thrown off, falling asleep or staying asleep becomes harder, leading to feeling tired during the day.
PFAS might also contribute to brain health problems. Long-term exposure could worsen cognitive decline, which is already linked to sleep deficits. This means that beyond making us tired, PFAS exposure could increase the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Why Sleep Matters?
Sleep is often overlooked as a critical pillar of health. If left unchecked, sleep disruptions can contribute to a cascade of long-term health problems. These issues may lead to type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and behavioral issues. Moreover, research on the glymphatic system, highlighted in the journal Stroke, emphasizes sleep’s complex role in brain health. It influences both indirect pathways, such as through vascular diseases, and direct pathways by affecting neurological functions.
The fact that PFAS may be disrupting sleep at the molecular level suggests a significant concern. This indicates that the health impact of these forever chemicals could be far greater than previously thought. Poor sleep, over time, can have compounding effects, leading to psychological concerns that are hard to reverse once manifested.
Implications for Policy and Public Health
This new comprehension of PFAS and their impact on sleep might have significant policy consequences. PFAS’ persistence in the environment and their capacity to accumulate in the body highlights the importance of reducing exposure.
According to TorHoerman Law, the EPA has already established a committee to “safeguard public health and the environment from the effects of PFAS.” To achieve this objective, they have also formulated a plan to tackle the issue from a governmental perspective.
Given that sleep quality impacts almost everyone, the potential damage caused by PFAS exposure could prompt more immediate policy adjustments. Additional research, especially on children and vulnerable communities, could deepen our understanding of PFAS exposure’s effects on sleep and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are PFAS?
PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a category of chemicals extensively utilized in various consumer goods. They are extremely long-lasting and are resistant to breaking down. These chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and human body without breaking down over time.
2. How does PFAS impact sleep?
The detrimental effects of PFAS on sleep are believed to stem from their impact on specific genes that regulate sleep-related hormones. For instance, these chemicals can interfere with the HSD11B1 gene, which helps produce cortisol, affecting overall sleep patterns. Another gene, cathepsin B, linked to cognitive functions and memory, is also implicated in the disruption caused by PFAS exposure.
3. Can PFAS exposure lead to other health issues?
Indeed, PFAS exposure has been associated with a range of health problems. These include cancer, liver damage, immune system dysfunction, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Its exposure is also associated with elevated cholesterol levels, which heighten the risk for numerous chronic conditions, including heart disease.
As research continues to uncover the widespread impact of PFAS on health, it highlights a significant link. These chemicals’ connection to sleep disruption is a literal wake-up call. By understanding how PFAS interferes with our body’s natural rhythms, we can begin to address this issue. Moreover, this awareness can lead to pushing for stronger regulations to limit exposure. Sleep, after all, is something none of us can afford to lose.