Causal associations between sleep disorders and endometriosis: A Mendelian randomization analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive medicine
• Sleep science
• Genetic epidemiology

Background:

• A correlation exists between sleep disorders and endometriosis, but causality is unclear.
• Endometriosis significantly impacts women's health and quality of life.
• Sleep disturbances are common in women with endometriosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between sleep disorders and endometriosis using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
• To assess both forward (sleep disorders causing endometriosis) and reverse causality.
• To identify specific sleep traits causally linked to endometriosis.

Main Methods:

• Bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed.
• Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was the primary analysis method.
• Multivariable MR was used to adjust for potential confounders like BMI, alcohol, smoking, and depression.

Main Results:

• Insomnia showed a significant positive causal effect on endometriosis risk (OR: 2.021, P=0.003).
• Multivariable MR confirmed the robustness of the insomnia-endometriosis association after adjusting for confounders.
• No causal associations were found between endometriosis and other sleep traits (chronotype, sleep duration, napping, daytime sleepiness).

Conclusions:

• Genetic evidence supports insomnia as an independent risk factor for endometriosis.
• These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep disorders in endometriosis management and research.
• Further investigation into the mechanisms linking insomnia and endometriosis is warranted.