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Sleep Disruption and Osteoarthritis Risk

Investigators find that short sleep, insomnia, and night shift work are associated with increased risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis and joint replacement.

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Research indicates that insufficient sleep, specifically less than 6 hours per night, significantly increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA) by over 40%. A study involving 502,363 adults from the UK Biobank found that both habitual short sleep and persistent insomnia correlate with a higher incidence of knee and hip OA, as well as the need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study highlights potential preventive measures through lifestyle modifications and sleep hygiene improvements, as noted by lead author Elizabeth L. Yanik, PhD ScM.

Original Source(s)

Sleep Disruption and Osteoarthritis Risk

Investigators find that short sleep, insomnia, and night shift work are associated with increased risk of knee and hip osteoarthritis and joint replacement.

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • February 23, 2026

  • 3 min

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