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Insomnia and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Sogol Javaheri1, Susan Redline2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, and Neurobiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.

Chest
|February 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Insomnia, a common sleep disorder, is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. Further research is needed to confirm this association and understand underlying mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the U.S.
  • Insomnia frequently co-occurs with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
  • Observational studies show a link between insomnia and increased CVD morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent studies on the association between insomnia and CVD.
  • To explore potential pathophysiological mechanisms linking insomnia and CVD.
  • To highlight the need for further research, including randomized trials.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent observational studies and literature.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on insomnia and CVD.
  • Discussion of proposed biological mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Insomnia, particularly with short sleep duration, is associated with higher risks of hypertension (HTN), coronary heart disease (CHD), recurrent acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure (HF).
  • Existing data suggest a consistent association despite variations in insomnia definition and measurement.
  • Potential mechanisms include dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, increased sympathetic nervous system activity, and heightened inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between insomnia and CVD is supported by observational data.
  • Further investigation, especially through randomized controlled trials, is crucial to establish causality and refine understanding.
  • Managing insomnia may be important for cardiovascular health.

Keywords:
cardiovascular diseaseinsomniasleep medicine

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