Delayed sleep-onset and biological age: late sleep-onset is associated with shorter telomere length

Abstract

Study Objectives We evaluated the relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and sleep duration, insomnia symptoms, and circadian rhythm, to test whether sleep and chronobiological dysregulations are associated with cellular aging. Methods Data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (N = 2,936) were used at two waves 6 years apart, to measure LTL. Telomeres shorten during the life span and are important biomarkers for cellular aging. LTL was assessed by qualitative polymerase chain reaction and converted into base pair number. Sleep parameters were: sleep duration and insomnia symptoms from the Insomnia Rating Scale. Circadian rhythm variables were: indication of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS), mid-sleep corrected for sleep debt on free days (MSFsc), sleep-onset time, and self-reported chronotype, from the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. Generalized estimating equations analyzed the associations between LTL, sleep, and chronobiological factors, adjusted for baseline age, sex, North European ancestry, and additionally for current smoking, depression severity, obesity, and childhood trauma. Results Indicators of delayed circadian rhythm showed a strong and consistent effect on LTL, after adjustment for sociodemographic and health indicators. Late MSFsc (B = −49.9, p = .004), late sleep-onset time (B = −32.4, p = .001), indication of DSPS (B = −73.8, p = .036), and moderately late chronotype in adulthood (B = −71.6, p = .003) were associated with significantly shorter LTL across both waves; whereas sleep duration and insomnia symptoms were not. Extremely early chronotype showed significantly less LTL shortening than intermediate chronotype (B = 161.40, p = .037). No predictors showed accelerated LTL attrition over 6 years. Conclusions Individuals with delayed circadian rhythm have significantly shorter LTL, but not faster LTL attrition rates.

Effect of Physical Activity, Smoking, and Sleep on Telomere Length: A Systematic Review of Observational and Intervention Studies

“…In this systematic review, we analyzed 11 articles on the association between TL and sleep ( Table 6 ) [ 43 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 ]. In comparison with the other considered lifestyle factors in this review (PA and tobacco smoking), very few studies focused on sleep.…”

“…Moreover, data from the intervention study only analyzed associations between sleep and TL cross-sectionally at baseline [ 132 ]. Only one study [ 135 ] had longitudinal data. Ten articles measured TL using PCR and 1/11 used southern blot [ 129 ].…”

Shortened telomeres and serum protein biomarker abnormalities in collision sport athletes regardless of concussion history and sex

“…It is also important to consider that factors in addition to brain injury may influence telomere length. Aging, 14 stress, 33 a history of smoking, 34 alcohol consumption, 35 and poor sleep 36 have been associated with shortened telomeres, whereas exercise may attenuate these deficits. 37 In this study, the Australian footballer and control groups were comparable with respect to the other potential modifying factors that were measured (e.g.…”

Data_Sheet_1.docx

“…Previous reports suggest that women have at least a 40% increased risk of insomnia compared with men (Guidozzi, 2015). Gender differences in associations between sleep and LTL have not been investigated in any populations although associations between sleep duration, snoring or circadian rhythm disturbance, and LTL were reported (Barceló et al, 2010;Carroll et al, 2016;Shin et al, 2016;Wynchank et al, 2019). Our study showed that sleep quality was associated with LTL in female patients but not in male patients.…”