Sleep: important considerations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease

Curr Opin Cardiol. 2016 Sep;31(5):551-65. doi: 10.1097/HCO.0000000000000324.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Sleep plays many roles in maintenance of cardiovascular health. This review summarizes the literature across several areas of sleep and sleep disorders in relation to cardiometabolic disease risk factors.

Recent findings: Insufficient sleep duration is prevalent in the population and is associated with weight gain and obesity, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality. Insomnia is also highly present and represents an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially when accompanied by short sleep duration. Sleep apnea is a well-characterized risk factor for cardiometabolic disease and cardiovascular mortality. Other issues are relevant as well. For example, sleep disorders in pediatric populations may convey cardiovascular risks. Also, sleep may play an important role in cardiovascular health disparities.

Summary: Sleep and sleep disorders are implicated in cardiometabolic disease risk. This review addresses these and other issues, concluding with recommendations for research and clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / etiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / complications*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy