Sleep and Metabolic Syndrome

Nurs Clin North Am. 2021 Jun;56(2):203-217. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2020.10.012. Epub 2021 Mar 10.

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to the clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, including central adiposity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. During the past 20 years, there have been parallel and epidemic increases in MetS and impaired sleep. This article describes evidence on the association between MetS and short sleep duration, circadian misalignment, insomnia, and sleep apnea. Potential mechanisms where impaired sleep desynchronizes and worsens metabolic control and interventions to improve sleep and potentially improve MetS are presented.

Keywords: Circadian misalignment; Insomnia; Metabolic syndrome; Short sleep duration; Sleep apnea.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications
  • Chronobiology Disorders / etiology
  • Chronobiology Disorders / psychology
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Syndrome / complications*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / psychology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep / physiology*