Associations between sleep traits and colorectal cancer: a mendelian randomization analysis

Although many researches have shown a relationship between sleeping habits and the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), there is a lack of data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to support this point. Hence, this study used Mendelian randomization (MR) to robustly assess whether five primary sleep characteristics are directly linked with the risk of CRC occurrence.

In the performed study, the main Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using approaches such as Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), MR Egger, and weighted median method. To this end, five genetically independent variants associated with the sleep-related characteristics (chronotype, sleep duration, insomnia, daytime napping, and daytime fatigue) were identified and used as instrumental variables. Publicly accessible GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study) data were used to identify these variants to investigate the putative causal relationships between sleep traits and CRC. Additionally, we conducted sensitivity analyses to minimize possible biases and verify the consistency of our results.

Mendelian randomization analyses showed that an morning chronotype reduces the risk of CRC with the IVW method, hence, odds ratio (OR) of 1.21 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.67-0.93, which is statistically significant at P = 5.74E-03. Conversely, no significant evidence was found to suggest that sleep duration, insomnia, daytime napping, or daytime sleepiness have a direct causal impact on CRC risk according to the IVW analysis.

Findings from our Mendelian randomization analyses suggest that an individual's chronotype may contribute to an increased risk of CRC. It is advisable for individuals to adjust their sleep patterns as a preventative measure against CRC.