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

ObjectivesThis 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 methodsTen 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionSleep restriction to 4 h of sleep for three consecutive nights affected two factors associated with cardiovascular risk in healthy postmenopausal women treated with HT.