Long Sleep Duration is Associated with Increased High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: A Nationwide Study on Chinese...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a key cardiovascular risk predictor.
• Sleep duration is a significant health determinant, but its link with hs-CRP in Chinese adults is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sleep duration and hs-CRP levels in Chinese adults.
• To explore potential sex and geographical variations in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using nationally representative Chinese data (2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey).
• Sleep duration self-reported (≤6h short, ≥9h long). hs-CRP levels ≥10 mg/L excluded.
• Analysis stratified by sex and geographical regions.

Main Results:

• 8170 adults (mean age 50.0±14.9 years, 53.5% men) included.
• Lowest hs-CRP levels observed in those sleeping 8 hours.
• Long sleep duration (≥9h) associated with elevated hs-CRP (adjusted β=0.0356, P=0.0228).
• Short sleep duration (≤6h) association limited to unadjusted models.
• Long sleep associated with higher hs-CRP in women and northern China, but not men or southern China.

Conclusions:

• Long sleep duration, not short, is positively linked to elevated hs-CRP in Chinese adults, independent of traditional risk factors.
• Observed sex and geographical differences highlight specific population vulnerabilities.
• Modifying long sleep duration may be a strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in this population.