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
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.
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.”
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.
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.”