Subjective Poor Sleep and White Blood Cell Count in Male Japanese Workers

Abstract

Sleep deprivation has been shown to be associated with an increase in inflammatory makers such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between subjective poor sleep and white blood cell (WBC) count, an inflammatory marker. The subjects were 208 male Japanese workers in a synthetic fibermanufacturing plant, who responded to a cross-sectional survey of a questionnaire on basic attributes, life style, and sleep. All male workers in the plant took an annual health checkup. WBC count was also examined in the checkup. The WBC count was greater in shift workers than in daytime workers. Shift workers complained of poor sleep more frequently, though their sleeping hours were longer. Multiple regression analysis showed that poor sleep as well as smoking habit, BMI and age were independent factors for an increase in WBC count, while sleeping hours and work pattern (shift work) were not significant factors. The present finding that poor sleep was associated with higher WBC count in male workers might suggest the importance of quality of sleep, particularly among shift workers.

Having More Healthy Practice was Associated with Low White Blood Cell Counts in Middle-aged Japanese Male and Female Workers

“…Obesity and current smoking were found to be independently associated with elevated WBC counts, both of which are consistent with previous reports [9][10][11][15][16][17] . In addition, higher cigarette consumption (more than 20 cigarettes per day) was positively associated with WBC counts in men.…”

“…Previous epidemiological studies have suggested an association between elevated WBC counts and low physical activity 7,8) , poor sleep 9) , and smoking 10,11) . However, the evidence of an association between WBC and other basic lifestyles is sparse 12,13) .…”

“…thought to be related to an increase in WBC counts [7][8][9][10][11] . Previous epidemiological studies have suggested an association between elevated WBC counts and low physical activity 7,8) , poor sleep 9) , and smoking 10,11) .…”

Shift work and cardiovascular disease – pathways from circadian stress to morbidity

“…High sensitive C-reactive protein, leucosyte count, lymphosyte, and NK-cell activity have received some interest in shift work studies. Sookoian et al (60) and Nishitani et al (65) reported an increased leucocyte count among rotating shift compared to daytime workers. In addition, 3-shift work has been associated with reduced T-lymphosyte function (66,67).…”

Association between shift work and periodontal health in a representative sample of an Asian population

“…Circadian variations in immune defense and inflammation may also be affected by shift effects of occupational exposure. An increase in white blood cell (WBC) count among rotating shift compared to daytime workers has been reported (11,12). Elevated C-reactive protein was associated with 3-shift work, and 2-and 3-shift work were related with increased WBC count (13).…”