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Circadian misalignment is associated with Covid-19 infection
Julien Coelho1, Jean-Arthur Micoulaud-Franchi1, Anne-Sophie Wiet2
1Univ. Bordeaux, SANPSY, USR 3413, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, SANPSY, USR 3413, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU Bordeaux, University Department of Sleep Medicine, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
Sleep Medicine
|April 21, 2022
Summary
Circadian misalignment, a disturbance in the body's internal clock, significantly increases the risk of contracting COVID-19. Maintaining regular sleep-wake patterns may be crucial for infection prevention.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Sleep Science
Background:
- The circadian system regulates inflammatory processes, but its role in COVID-19 susceptibility is understudied.
- Circadian misalignment, a chronic disturbance of the internal clock, may be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circadian misalignment and the risk of COVID-19 infection.
- To explore the relationship in individuals suspected of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or infection.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in a COVID-19 outpatient testing center.
- Social jetlag, a proxy for circadian misalignment, was assessed using sleep-wake behaviors on workdays and free days.
- 1014 subjects (18-45 years) were included, with social jetlag defined as a ≥2-hour shift in mid-sleep timing.
Main Results:
- 5.5% of subjects tested positive for COVID-19.
- Subjects with social jetlag (≥2 hours) were more prevalent in the COVID-19 positive group (33.3% vs. 20.6%).
- Circadian misalignment was associated with a 2.07-fold increased likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19, even after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusions:
- Circadian misalignment is prevalent in COVID-19 infected individuals and may increase infection risk.
- Potential mechanisms include chronobiological effects on immunity or increased exposure during nocturnal activities.
- Regular sleep-wake timing could be a strategy for COVID-19 prevention.
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