A variety of serious health issues including reduced productivity, safety and mood are associated with sleep deprivation. Yet, many people skimp on their sleep. According to a recent study in South Dakota, which studied the sleep and bone data of 1,146 adults (652 women), found that 19% were sleep deprived (<6.5 hours/night) and that sleep deprived women had lower bone density than women who were not sleep deprived (>6.5-10 hours/night). It was also observed that sleep deprived men had weaker bones than their well slept male counterparts. The results suggest that men and women who sleep less have a higher risk of osteoporosis than those who sleep well.
Osteoporos Int. 2007 Jan; 18(1): 93-9. Epub 2006Aug 15