Sleep Difficulties Signal Cardiometabolic Risk

A number of previous studies have demonstrated associations between sleep duration and obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality. As well, separate research has suggested that sleep disorders increase the risk for cardiometabolic disease. Michael A. Grandner, from the University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania, USA), and colleagues studied data compiled on 138,201 men and women, average age 46 years, enrolled in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.  The team found that perceived sleep disturbance on at least three of seven nights was significantly associated with obesity, diabetes, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Commenting that: "Effects [of sleep disturbance] for obesity, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease are the most robust,” the study authors conclude that: "This study demonstrates that sleep disturbance is a novel risk factor that is potentially modifiable.”