The skeletal system is extremely complex, consisting of various types of bones and joints. It’s health is susceptible to strenuous activity, changes in diet, and changes in hormone balances. In order for the skeletal system to maintain proper homeostasis, various factors have to be properly balanced, and the bones have to be able to respond to changes when the need arises. However, there is a limit to the bones’ ability to respond to such condition changes, and when they are unable to maintain homeostasis damage occurs. This may not be acute damage, but can also occur in the form of damage over time.

One factor that can damage bone quality slowly over time is sleep deprivation. While other factors are more widely cited as contributing to bone damage, recent research is showing a strong correlation between sleep deprivation and bone damage. According to a study published in the journal “Experimental Biology and Medicine,” sleep-deprived rats had lower levels of mineral density in their bones, and less fat in the yellow marrow of their bones than well-rested rats. The study did not conclude whether the findings were applicable to humans, although further research will surely delve into the topic.

If the findings are concluded to be consistent in humans, this could provide great insight into the various contributing factors that plague people with bone-density problems. This research could nicely compliment research that focuses on other effects on bone health, such as hormonal and dietary. It also contributes to providing a more holistic approach to health and wellness, and to treatments of various bone disorders.

Huffington Post, (2012). “Sleep Deprivation Could Be Bad For Bones.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/sleep-deprivation-bones-marrow_n_1898610.html

Spencer, B.L., Binkley, T., Vukovich, M., Beare, T., (2007). Volumetric Bone Mineral Density and Bone Size in Sleep-Deprived Individuals. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16909195