LAUSR

Multiple studies in different countries show a trend of adolescents having insufficient sleep. Review of literature strongly suggests role of cytokines in sleep regulation. Different inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins (IL) are sleep regulatory substances. Most of the studies showing relation between cytokines and sleep are seen in adults. In our study, we were interested in finding the relationship between sleep quality and inflammatory markers in healthy adolescents. Twenty eight female and male, African American and White, healthy adolescents aged 15–18 completed the study. Sleep quality was measured using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaires (PSQ), including snoring, daytime sleepiness and hyperactive behavior. Blood sample was collected from each participant for measuring the inflammatory factors. Partial Pearson correlation analysis showed that global PSQ score and hyperactive behavior were significantly correlated with TNF α (r=0.37 for both). Snoring was significantly correlated with leptin, CRP and IL-6 in healthy adolescents. No other correlations were observed. Consistent with findings in adults, we have observed an association between inflammatory markers and poor sleep in healthy adolescents. Our findings suggest the importance to improve sleep quality in adolescents for better health outcomes. None of the authors have any conflict of interest. This research was supported by awards, P30DK056336 and P30DK079626, from the National Institute of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases to Nutrition Obesity Research Center and Diabetes Research Center, respectively, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.