Postmenopausal women who report sleeping less than 5 hours per night are more likely to develop low bone mineral density at all major sites and are at increased risk for osteoporosis at the hip and spine, according to findings published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

“Our study suggests that sleep may negatively impact bone health, adding to the list of the negative health impacts of poor sleep,” Heather Ochs-Balcom, PhD, associate professor in the department of epidemiology and environmental health at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions at the State University of New York, said in a press release. “I hope that it can also serve as a reminder to strive for the recommended 7 or more hours of sleep per night for our physical and mental health.”