When people think about building strong bones, they usually think of calcium, vitamin D, and exercise. While these are all essential, one important factor is often overlooked: sleep.
Your bones are living tissue that constantly renews and repairs itself. Much of this maintenance occurs while you sleep, when your body regulates hormones, repairs damaged tissues, and prepares for the demands of the next day.
Although getting enough sleep alone won't prevent osteoporosis, research suggests that chronic sleep deprivation may negatively affect bone health over time. Understanding the connection between sleep and your skeleton can help you take a more complete approach to protecting your bones throughout life.