Sleep duration associated with cardiovascular conditions among adult Nevadans

Associations between sleep duration and cardiovascular conditions have been inconsistent. Both short and long sleep duration are associated with increased risk for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, depression, and overall metabolic dysfunction; all of which are cardiovascular disease risk factors. This study aimed to determine if deficient or excessive sleep duration is associated with cardiovascular conditions.

Data were obtained from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for the state of Nevada. A total of 5101 participants completed the survey and answered questions as to whether they had ever had a cardiovascular condition ie, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease or angina, and stroke. Multiple logistic regression was implemented during analyses and yielded four models including demographics, co-morbidity, behavior, and final significant variables.

Six significant predictor variables were identified in the final model. Sleep duration was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Individuals having deficient sleep, eg, 1-4 h a night, were 2.4 times more likely to have a cardiovascular condition versus those sleeping 7-9 h per night (OR = 2.412, CI = 1.139, 5.107). As for individuals who sleep excessively, eg, 10-18 h a night, they were nearly 7.2 times more likely to have a cardiovascular condition, compared to individuals who receive a normal night's sleep (OR = 7.170, CI = 3.284, 15.654).

Both deficient and excessive sleep duration were significantly associated with a cardiovascular condition, even after adjustment for covariates. The findings from this study can be used as additional evidence to encourage further research on improving sleep by developing future treatment therapies, and recommendations, that may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease conditions.