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Allostatic load, sleep patterns, and genetic susceptibility in relation to severe mental illness: A prospective
Yuxuan Liu1, Yingxue Wang2, Susu Tian2
1School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong Shan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China; Department of Public Health, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Objectives:
Allostatic load (AL) and sleep patterns are linked to severe mental illness (SMI), though their exact mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of AL, sleep behavior, and genetic susceptibility on the incidence of SMI (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder).
Methods:
The study included 304,884 (schizophrenia) and 304,335 (bipolar disorder) participants from UK Biobank free of SMI at baseline. AL was measured using 10 biomarkers of metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory system. Sleep patterns was derived from five sleep behaviors. Cox models were used to examine the independent and joint effects between AL, sleep patterns, genetic susceptibility, and SMI incidence.
Results:
After a median 13.7-year follow-up, 220 schizophrenia and 460 bipolar disorder cases were identified. High AL was significantly increased SMI risk, while unhealthy sleep pattern significantly increased the risk of bipolar disorder. Participants with high AL and unhealthy sleep had the highest risk (schizophrenia: HR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.01-5.88; bipolar disorder: HR = 6.94, 95% CI: 4.22-11.22). Genetic high-risk individuals with high AL (schizophrenia: HR = 5.11, 95% CI: 2.80-9.34; bipolar disorder: HR = 5.07, 95% CI: 3.20-8.02) or unhealthy sleep (schizophrenia: HR = 6.61, 95% CI: 2.60-16.84; bipolar disorder: HR = 11.19, 95% CI: 5.85-21.40) showed elevated susceptibility. AL and genetic risk had an additive interaction effect on the risk of schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
High AL and unhealthy sleep are associated with increased SMI risk and amplify genetic susceptibility. Addressing both factors may be crucial for prevention.
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