The role of sleep has been researched from several perspectives, and the results support that poor sleep has a negative impact on general health and the immune system. This study had the aim to investigate the role of sleep on severe periodontitis and to evaluate the influence of diabetes on the outcome. The hypothesis was based on the assumption that sleep should have a protective role due to its positive impact on metabolic regulation and host immune response.
The study population consisted of 3624 adult participants in the United States. Severe periodontal disease was defined as having ≥2 interproximal sites with ≥6mm of loss of attachment, not on the same tooth, and ≥ 1 interproximal site with probing depths of ≥ 5mm.
The results from the study indicate that individuals who sleep more than seven hours per night and with no problem sleeping are 40% less likely to exhibit severe periodontal disease. In addition, the protective effect of sleep is stronger in individuals with diabetes. The results were adjusted for age, sex, smoking, federal poverty level and dental visit frequency.
Periodontal disease is a multifactorial disease where dental plaque plays a central role. Good quality sleep may have a positive impact, but, as the authors state, further research is needed to confirm the protective role of sleep.
This summary of a scientific study by Alqaderi H et al. is presented by Anna Nilvéus Olofsson, DDS, Manager Odontology and Scientific Affairs. Click here for more information.
