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Sleep may be an important determinant of bone health.

Research in postmenopausal women uncovered that those who slept for no longer than five hours per night were most likely to have lower bone mineral density and osteoporosis. 

Researchers from the University at Buffalo-New York, led the study of more than 11,000 postmenopausal women, all of whom were participants in the Women’s Health Initiative.

In an earlier study, the team found a relationship between short sleep and a higher risk of bone fracture in women.