Crop talks

A new study found that women who get less than five hours of sleep during menopause have an increased risk of osteoporosis. The report came from the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. It compared over 5,000 women. With bone scans, they found lower bone mineral density and higher odds of osteoporosis at the hip, spine and total body for those with less than five hours of sleep. They were compared to women with over seven hours of sleep. The study was controlled for age, menopausal symptoms, physical activity and were generally healthy. The author of the report notes that the study does not prove the link. The study says short sleep and osteoporosis are linked.

Nicholas Bakalar wrote this short article on November 20, 2019. He told the conclusion of the study right away and how many women in each sleep category. Bakalar explained the bone scan results and that the study was controlled with similar women. He included a quote from the lead author, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University at Buffalo. Bakalar included the note from the authors that the study shows a link, but it is possible for other conditions to influence sleep and bone health.