Key result
Sleep durations under 7 or over 8 hours are linked to increased AF risk.
Why the study?
Despite much research, the precise nature of the relationship between the amount of sleep and AF remains unclear.
Is abnormal sleep duration associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation?
Is abnormal sleep duration associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Both short and long sleep durations are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, suggesting sleep optimization could be a novel approach for AF prevention.
Sleep duration is a substantial risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite much research, the precise nature of the relationship between the amount of sleep and AF remains unclear. This narrative review explores the relationship between AF and sleep duration, looking at genetic, mechanistic, and epidemiological data to explain this association. A U-shaped association (nonlinear relationship or curvilinear association) between sleep duration and AF has been seen, where longer and shorter sleep duration, more or less than seven to eight hours, have been associated with increased AF risk. Multiple mechanisms such as autonomic dysfunction, inflammation, and structural atrial remodeling have been proposed linking sleep disturbances to AF. Moreover, confounding factors such as individual lifestyle, comorbidities, and sleep quality could affect this association. Additionally, the interpretation of study results is further impacted by methodological limitations, including self-reported sleep duration and observational study designs. It is imperative to comprehend the complex relationship between sleep duration and AF to develop effective preventive and therapeutic methods. The main goals of future research should focus on prospective cohort studies with objective sleep metrics, exploring the mechanistic pathways, and comprehensive confounder adjustments that link sleep disturbances to AF. In summary, addressing sleep disturbances may represent one of the novel approaches to AF prevention and management, with potential implications for improving cardiovascular health and reducing AF-related morbidity and mortality.
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Shaikh et al. (2024) conducted a review in Atrial Fibrillation. Sleep duration was evaluated. A U-shaped association exists between sleep duration and atrial fibrillation, where sleep durations of less or more than seven to eight hours are associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
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