A new study has found that sleep deprivation, insomnia and working night shifts may be associated with an increased risk of joint pain and osteoarthritis.
Published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, the study analysed data from nearly 5,000 people and monitored their health for eight to 13 years after assessing their sleeping habits.
According to the findings, people who slept fewer than six hours a night had a 41 per cent higher risk of knee joint problems and a 39pc higher risk of hip joint problems.
Similarly, individuals who experienced difficulty falling asleep or frequently woke up during the night showed a 34pc to 40pc higher risk of joint disorders. People working night shifts also had an increased risk of knee problems.
Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which the protective cartilage at the ends of bones gradually deteriorates, causing pain and stiffness and potentially limiting movement.
The study explained that cartilage withstands physical stress during the day, while its repair and recovery processes continue at night. The internal biological clock of cartilage-producing cells also plays an important role in this process.
The findings highlight a potential link between sleep patterns and joint health, suggesting that adequate sleep may be an important factor in maintaining healthy joints.
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