INSOMNIACS ALERT

Lack of sleep TRIPLES the risk of developing asthma, say experts

Study of 18,000 adults found those who struggled to get a good night's kip were more likely to suffer from breathing problems

Nick McDermott

Published: 0:01, 2 Feb 2017
Updated: 3:03, 2 Feb 2017

RESEARCHERS have linked insomnia to people tripling their risk of asthma.

A huge study of nearly 18,000 adults found those who have sleepless nights are more prone to breathing problems.

A new study has found a lack of sleep triples your risk of developing asthma — A new study has found a lack of sleep triples your risk of developing asthmaCredit: Getty Images

The asthma risk rose by 65 per cent for those who “often” struggled to doze off.

It more than doubled among people who lay awake “almost every night".

And for chronic insomniacs it trebled.

Dr Ben Brumpton, who led the study in Norway, said: “Changes in the body due to insomnia may result in more severe harmful effects on the airways.”

The asthma risk rose by 65 per cent for those who struggle to doze off — The asthma risk rose by 65 per cent for those who struggle to doze offCredit: Getty Images

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More than five million Brits suffer from asthma — More than five million Brits suffer from asthmaCredit: Getty Images

Around 5.4million people have asthma in the UK.

It kills three people a day.

Major risk factors include smoking, being too fat and air pollution.

Recent studies have also found a link with depression and anxiety.

The study also found insomnia linked with depression and anxiety — The study also found insomnia linked with depression and anxietyCredit: Getty Images

Lack of sleep causes inflammation and raises levels of stress hormones, both of which may trigger asthma.

The Royal Society for Public Health estimates four in ten Brits are not getting enough sleep.

Dr Andy Whittamore, of Asthma UK, said: “More research should be done.”

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