Sleep and vascular disorders

Optimal exercise dose and type for improving sleep quality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs

Background

A substantial amount of research has explored the intricate relationship between exercise and sleep quality, consistently confirming that exercise can effectively enhance sleep quality. Nevertheless, previous studies have yet to conclusively determine which specific exercise program is most efficacious in improving sleep quality. To address this gap, the present study systematically evaluated the differential effects of various types of exercise, as well as exercise dosages (including duration, intervention period, frequency, and intensity), on sleep outcomes using a network meta-analysis approach. This endeavor aims to provide evidence-based support for the development of scientifically effective exercise programs tailored to improve sleep quality.

Methods

Through the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases, we conducted a search for randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise interventions on sleep, with a search cutoff date of April 30, 2024. We rigorously selected the literature according to the PICOS principle, and two independent researchers extracted the data. We would like to change this passage to: Bias risk assessment was conducted using the RevMan 5.4 software, and traditional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed using Stata 17.0 software to generate forest plots, network evidence plots, and funnel plots. Furthermore, we adopted the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to evaluate and rank the intervention effects of different exercise types and dosages on sleep quality. To verify the robustness of our study results, we performed a sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method.

Results

The study strictly adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and included 58 RCT papers with a total of 5,008 participants. The network meta-analysis revealed significant variations in the impact of exercise frequency on sleep outcomes when compared to the control group. Interventions of 1-2 times per week [SMD = -0.85, 95% CI (-1.43, -0.26)], 3 times per week [SMD = -0.45, 95% CI (-0.80, -0.11)], and 4 times per week [SMD = -1.09, 95% CI (-1.92, -0.26)] demonstrated the most notable effects. Interventions lasting ≤30 min and 60-65 min were significantly more effective than the control group, with ≤30 min proving significantly more effective than 40-55 min [SMD = 0.75, 95% CI (0.01, 1.49)]. Interventions lasting 9-10 weeks [SMD = -1.40, 95% CI (-2.37, -0.44)], 12-16 weeks [SMD = -0.55, 95% CI (-0.90, -0.20)], and ≥ 24 weeks [SMD = -0.71, 95% CI (-1.31, -0.10)] were all significantly more effective than the control group. Additionally, the 9-10 weeks intervention period was found to be significantly more effective than the 6-8 weeks period [SMD = -1.21, 95% CI (-2.37, -0.04)]. Furthermore, interventions of moderate intensity [SMD = -1.06, 95% CI (-1.52, -0.61)] and high intensity [SMD = -1.48, 95% CI (-2.55, -0.40)] exercise interventions yielded significantly greater benefits compared to the control group. Specifically, high intensity interventions [SMD = -1.97, 95% CI (-3.37, -0.56)] and moderate intensity [SMD = -1.55, 95% CI (-2.57, -0.54)] exercise interventions were found to be significantly more effective than moderate-high intensity interventions. In terms of exercise types, aerobic exercise [SMD = -0.56, 95% CI (-0.86, -0.27)], traditional Chinese exercises [SMD = -0.57, 95% CI (-0.97, -0.18)], and combined exercise [SMD = -0.99, 95% CI (-1.66, -0.32)] interventions all produced significant improvements compared to the control group. The study determined that the most effective combination of exercise prescription elements for enhancing sleep quality includes a frequency of 4 times per week (SUCRA = 84.7), a duration of ≤30 min (SUCRA = 92.2), a period of 9-10 weeks (SUCRA = 89.9), and high-intensity (SUCRA = 92.9) combined exercise (SUCRA = 82.7).

Conclusion

The current evidence indicates that combined exercise with a frequency of 4 times per week, a duration of ≤30 min, a period of 9-10 weeks, and high intensity is most effective for improving sleep quality. Nevertheless, due to the limited number of studies included, further research is needed to enhance the reliability of the findings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42024555428.

A mediation analysis of metabolic and inflammatory factors in the severe sleep apnea-coronary heart disease association

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether metabolic and inflammatory factors mediate the association between severe sleep apnea and coronary heart disease (CHD) in observational studies based on the large-scale population. This study aims to assess the association between severe sleep apnea and CHD and to explore the extent to which this association is mediated by metabolic factors and C-reactive protein (CRP).

METHODS

In UK Biobank, 213 442 CHD-free (mean age: 55.00) adults were followed up for 15 years to detect incident CHD. Metabolic factors included hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia. A higher CRP concentration level was defined as a cutoff point of >3.0 mg/l. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models and the generalized structural equation model.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 9278 participants developed incident CHD (4.3%). The multi-adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval of CHD related to severe sleep apnea were 1.76 (1.44-2.15). In the mediation analysis, the strongest indirect association was for dyslipidemia, accounting for 20.8% of the association between severe sleep apnea and CHD (β = 0.22, 95% confidence interval = 0.16-0.28), followed by hypertriglyceridemia (12.3%). The proportion of mediation increased to 29.1% when CRP was added to the metabolic mediators.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe sleep apnea was associated with an increased risk of CHD. Lipid factors might play an essential role in the severe sleep apnea-CHD relationship. CRP increased the magnitude of mediation effects of overall metabolic factors. What is already known on this topic It is unknown whether the association between severe sleep apnea and CHD among the large population-based cohort study. Evidence on the mediating effect of metabolic and inflammatory factors in the severe sleep apnea-CHD association remains unclear. What this study adds Lipid factors were the biggest mediation driver in the severe sleep apnea-CHD path. C-reactive protein increased the magnitude of mediation effects of overall metabolic factors. How this study might affect research, practice or policy Investigating mediation analyses not only enhances comprehension of the pathophysiological connection between severe sleep apnea and CHD but also offers valuable insights into preventing CHD.

Short Sleep Duration and Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of the Literature

The meaning of sleep has puzzled people for millennia. In modern society, short sleep duration is becoming a global problem. It has been established that short sleep duration can increase the risk of several diseases, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Currently, a growing body of research has revealed a possible link between sleep disorders and erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the mechanisms linking short sleep duration and ED are largely unknown. Thus, we provide a review of clinical trials and animal studies. In this review, we propose putative pathways connecting short sleep duration and ED, including neuroendocrine pathways and molecular mechanisms, aiming to pave the way for future research. Meanwhile, the assessment and improvement of sleep quality should be recommended in the diagnosis and treatment of ED patients.

Chronic Insomnia Is Associated with Higher Circulating Interleukin-8 in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

OBJECTIVE

Chronic inflammatory responses and leukocyte infiltration are classical pathological features of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). To date, limited evidence of a relationship between chronic insomnia and inflammatory responses in patients with CSVD has been uncovered. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential relationship between chronic insomnia and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with atherosclerotic CSVD (A-CSVD).

METHODS

In total, 76 A-CSVD patients with or without chronic insomnia (CI) confirmed using magnetic resonance (MR) were prospectively recruited. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) was performed and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17A, IL-8, and IL-12 assessed. Cytokine levels were compared between CSVD+CI (study group) and CSVD without CI (control group) patients, and the correlations between PSG parameters and cytokine levels were explored in all patients via multiple linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

The serum IL-8 level of the study group (12.3±4.4 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that of the control group (7.5±2.2 pg/mL; P<0.05). PSG measurements showed that patients in the study group had significantly higher sleep onset latency (SOL), arousal index (ArI) and wake after sleep onset (WASO) as well as lower total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE) and stage 3 NREM sleep (N-3) ratio, compared with the control group (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses led to the identification of ArI (β=0.026, P<0.05) and TST (β=-0.054, P<0.05) as significant positive and negative predictors of the IL-8 level, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Chronic insomnia, in particular, sleep fragmentation and short sleep duration, may be involved in promotion of serum IL-8 expression in patients with atherosclerotic CSVD.

Impaired sleep quality is associated with concurrent elevations in inflammatory markers: are post-menopausal women at greater risk?

Abstract

Background

Chronic inflammation and impaired sleep increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. Menopausal women may be particularly at risk as a result of impaired sleep. The objective of the current investigation was to assess the relationship between poor sleep and C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in healthy non- and postmenopausal women and men.

Methods

A fasting blood draw was obtained from 122 healthy men and women (31 were postmenopausal). Higher scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to define poor sleep. Given the sample size and healthy nature of the sample, hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed on a composite inflammatory score involving CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. Sex/menopausal group and PSQI were entered as predictors, and the interaction of the group by PSQI was entered stepwise. Analyses on MPO were performed separately.

Results

Sleep quality was associated with higher inflammatory activity (β = 0.272, P = 0.003), which remained significant (P = 0.046) after controlling for age, waist circumference, exercise times per week, and depressive symptoms. While in the same direction, sleep quality was not significantly associated with MPO. Dichotomizing sleep quality led to similar results.

Conclusion

Impaired sleep quality is independently associated with greater inflammation in healthy adult men and women. Despite an overall less favorable metabolic and inflammatory profile in postmenopausal women, impaired sleep did not emerge as differentially related to inflammatory activity in this group.

Sex Differences in the Risk of Developing Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients With Sleep Disorders: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Studies that focus on the relationship between sex and the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are scant. The current study investigated the effects of sex differences in the risk of developing ACS in patients with sleep disorders (SDs). This longitudinal population-based cohort study evaluated the incidence and risk of ACS development in 40,232 men and 65,519 women newly diagnosed with SDs between 2002 and 2008 from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. The follow-up period began from the entry date and ended on the date of an ACS event or December 31, 2010. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were conducted to estimate the sex differences in the risk of ACS. Men with SDs exhibited an increased incidence of ACS compared with women with SDs in all age- and comorbidity-specific subgroups. After covariates were adjusted, the men with SDs exhibited a 1.48-fold adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of ACS compared with the women with SDs (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-1.60). After age group stratification, the men with SDs in the young adult group exhibited the highest risk of subsequent ACS development compared with the women with SDs (aHR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.69-2.55), followed by those in middle-aged adults (aHR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.32-1.76) and older adults groups (aHR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.11-1.39). This study determined that men with SDs, particularly young men, are at a higher risk of subsequent ACS development compared with women with SDs.

The association of sleep quality with dry eye disease: the Osaka study

PURPOSE

To investigate the association of dry eye disease with sleep quality.

METHODS

In 2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among all the employees, mainly young and middle-aged Japanese office workers, who used visual display technology, at a company in Osaka, Japan (N=672; age range =26-64 years). The participants were classified according to the Japanese dry eye diagnosis criteria by dry eye examination results including the Schirmer test, fluorescein and lissamine green staining, tear film break-up time, and symptom questionnaire into three groups as follows: definite dry eye disease, probable dry eye disease, and no dry eye disease. To determine sleep quality, Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (global score) was implemented. The global score (range =0-21) was calculated by summing seven sleep variable scores (scale, 0-3); scores ≥5.5 indicated poor sleep.

RESULTS

The total mean global score was 5.1±2.3 (completed N=383); 45% of the dry eye disease participants reported having poor sleep quality, while 34% of the no dry eye disease participants did so, with a significant difference found in the global score (P=0.002). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was observed between the global score and dry eye disease (P=0.005).

CONCLUSION

Poor sleep quality is associated with dry eye disease, especially with dry eye symptoms.

Sleep disruption and the sequelae associated with traumatic brain injury

Sleep disruption, which includes a loss of sleep as well as poor quality fragmented sleep, frequently follows traumatic brain injury (TBI) impacting a large number of patients each year in the United States. Fragmented and/or disrupted sleep can worsen neuropsychiatric, behavioral, and physical symptoms of TBI. Additionally, sleep disruption impairs recovery and can lead to cognitive decline. The most common sleep disruption following TBI is insomnia, which is difficulty staying asleep. The consequences of disrupted sleep following injury range from deranged metabolomics and blood brain barrier compromise to altered neuroplasticity and degeneration. There are several theories for why sleep is necessary (e.g., glymphatic clearance and metabolic regulation) and these may help explain how sleep disruption contributes to degeneration within the brain. Experimental data indicate disrupted sleep allows hyperphosphorylated tau and amyloid β plaques to accumulate. As sleep disruption may act as a cellular stressor, target areas warranting further scientific investigation include the increase in endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress following acute periods of sleep deprivation. Potential treatment options for restoring the normal sleep cycle include melatonin derivatives and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Sleep architecture variation: a mediator of metabolic disturbance in individuals with major depressive disorder

Remarkable proportions of individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) have comorbid metabolic disturbances (i.e., obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia), and vice versa. Accumulating evidence suggests that common pathophysiologic pathways such as a chronic, low-grade, proinflammatory state mediate this frequent co-occurrence. However, it remains unclear what traits precede the onset and increase the risk for these pathologic states. The aim of our review was to evaluate the evidentiary base supporting the hypothesis that the increased hazard for metabolic disturbance in MDD subpopulations (and vice versa) is mediated in part by endophenotypic variations in sleep architecture. We conducted a PubMed search of all English-language literature with the following search terms: sleep disturbance, circadian rhythm, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, obesity, MDD, mood disorder, prodrome, T2DM, cytokine, interleukin, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Longitudinal and meta-analysis data indicate that specific variations in sleep architecture (i.e., decreased slow-wave sleep [SWS], increased rapid eye movement [REM] density) precede the onset of depressive symptomatology for a subpopulation of individuals. The same sleep architecture variations also are associated with obesity, T2DM, and hypertension. Decreased SWS and increased REM density is correlated with an increase in proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, etc.). This proinflammatory state has been independently shown to be associated with MDD and metabolic disturbances. Taken together, our review suggests that sleep architecture variation of increased REM density and decreased SWS may be an endophenotypic trait, which serves to identify a subpopulation at increased risk for depressive symptoms and metabolic disturbances. Future research is needed to discern the predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of using sleep architecture variation as a biomarker for MDD and metabolic disturbances. Validation of this marker would have broad clinical implications, such as primary, secondary, and tertiary preventative health strategies.

Cardiovascular consequences of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common health concern that is characterized by repetitive episodes of asphyxia. This condition has been linked to serious long-term adverse effects such as hypertension, metabolic dysregulation, and cardiovascular disease. Although the mechanism for the initiation and aggravation of cardiovascular disease has not been fully elucidated, oxidative stress and subsequent endothelial dysfunction play major roles. Animal models, which have the advantage of being free of comorbidities and/or behavioral variables (that commonly occur in humans), allow invasive measurements under well-controlled experimental conditions, and as such are useful tools in the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms of sleep apnea. This review summarizes currently available information on the cardiovascular consequences of sleep apnea and briefly describes common experimental approaches useful to sleep apnea in different animal models.

Sleep depth and fatigue: role of cellular inflammatory activation

Individuals with underlying inflammation present with a high prevalence of non-specific co-morbid symptoms including sleep disturbance and fatigue. However, the association between cellular expression of proinflammatory cytokines, alterations of sleep depth and daytime fatigue has not been concurrently examined. In healthy adults (24-61 years old), evening levels of monocyte intracellular proinflammatory cytokine production were assessed prior to evaluation of polysomnographic sleep and measures of fatigue the following day. Stimulated monocyte production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), but not tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), was negatively associated with slow wave sleep (ΔR²=.17, p=.029). In contrast, stimulated monocyte production of IL-6 was positively associated with rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep duration during the first sleep cycle (ΔR²=.26, p<.01). Moreover, evening stimulated production of IL-6 was associated with fatigue the following day (ΔR²=.17, p=.05). Mediation analyses showed that slow wave sleep, but not REM sleep duration, mediated the relationship between evening levels of IL-6 production and daytime fatigue. These results indicate that increases in stimulated monocyte production of IL-6 may be associated with decreases in slow wave sleep and increases in REM sleep duration. Relative loss of slow wave sleep may be one pathway through which cellular inflammation leads to daytime fatigue.

MTNR1B G24E variant associates With BMI and fasting plasma glucose in the general population in studies of 22,142 Europeans

OBJECTIVE

Common variants in the melatonin receptor type 1B (MTNR1B) locus have been shown to increase fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the risk of type 2 diabetes. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether nonsynonymous variants in MTNR1B associate with monogenic forms of hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, or related metabolic traits.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

MTNR1B was sequenced in 47 probands with clinical maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), in 51 probands with early-onset familial type 2 diabetes, and in 94 control individuals. Six nonsynonymous variants (G24E, L60R, V124I, R138C, R231H, and K243R) were genotyped in up to 22,142 Europeans. Constitutive and melatonin-induced signaling was characterized for the wild-type melatonin receptor type 1B (MT2) and the 24E, 60R, and 124I MT2 mutants in transfected COS-7 cells.

RESULTS

No mutations in MTNR1B were MODY specific, and none of the investigated MTNR1B variants associated with type 2 diabetes. The common 24E variant associated with increased prevalence of obesity (odds ratio 1.20 [1.08-1.34]; P = 8.3 x 10(-4)) and increased BMI (beta = 0.5 kg/m(2); P = 1.2 x 10(-5)) and waist circumference (beta = 1.2 cm; P = 9 x 10(-6)) in combined Danish and French study samples. 24E also associated with decreased FPG (beta = -0.08 mmol/l; P = 9.2 x 10(-4)) in the Danish Inter99 population. Slightly decreased constitutive activity was observed for the MT2 24E mutant, while the 124I and 60R mutants displayed considerably decreased or completely disrupted signaling, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonsynonymous mutations in MTNR1B are not a common cause of MODY or type 2 diabetes among Danes. MTNR1B 24E associates with increased body mass and decreased FPG. Decreased MT2 signaling does apparently not directly associate with FPG or type 2 diabetes.

Increase in circadian variation after continuous-flow ventricular assist device implantation

The circadian rhythm of varying blood pressure and heart rate is attenuated or absent in patients with severe heart failure. In 28 patients supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for at least 30 days, a restoration of the circadian rhythm was demonstrated by a consistent nocturnal decrease, and then increase, of the LVAD flow while at a constant LVAD speed. The return of the circadian rhythm has implications for cardiac recovery, and the observation indicates that the continuous-flow LVAD has an intrinsic automatic response to physiologic demands.

Sleep hygiene for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Sleep disturbances in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are common and have a profound effect on the quality of life of the child, as well as the entire family. Although interventions for sleep problems in these children often involve a combination of behavioral and pharmacologic strategies, the first line of treatment is the promotion of improved sleep habits or "hygiene." Despite the importance of sleep-hygiene principles, defined as basic optimal environmental, scheduling, sleep-practice, and physiologic sleep-promoting factors, clinicians often lack appropriate knowledge and skills to implement them. In addition, sleep-hygiene practices may need to be modified and adapted for this population of children and are often more challenging to implement compared with their healthy counterparts. This first comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of sleep hygiene for children with disabilities presents the rationale for incorporating these measures in their treatment, outlines both general and specific sleep-promotion practices, and discusses problem-solving strategies for implementing them in a variety of clinical practice settings.

Integrated transcriptomic response to cardiac chronic hypoxia: translation regulators and response to stress in cell survival

Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid microarray data from 36 mice subjected for 1, 2, or 4 weeks of their early life to normal atmospheric conditions (normoxia) or chronic intermittent (CIH) or constant (CCH) hypoxia were analyzed to extract organizational principles of the developing heart transcriptome and determine the integrated response to oxygen deprivation. Although both CCH and CIH regulated numerous genes involved in a wide diversity of processes, the changes in maturational profile, expression stability, and coordination were vastly different between the two treatments, indicating the activation of distinct regulatory mechanisms of gene transcription. The analysis focused on the main regulators of translation and response to stress because of their role in the cardiac hypertrophy and cell survival in hypoxia. On average, the expression of each heart gene was tied to the expression of about 20% of other genes in normoxia but to only 8% in CCH and 9% in CIH, indicating a strong decoupling effect of hypoxia. In contrast to the general tendency, the interlinkages among components of the translational machinery and response to stress increased significantly in CIH and much more in CCH, suggesting a coordinated response to the hypoxic stress. Moreover, the transcriptomic networks were profoundly and differently remodeled by CCH and CIH.

Long-term subjective and objective sleep analysis of total sleep time and sleep quality in real life settings

Sleep quality is one of the key elements of the human health status. By observing sleep patterns we can gain information about personal wellbeing. Consumer electronic sleep analysis solutions are now available for use in long-term conditions. In this study we compare different measures for total sleep time and sleep quality. We analyzed visually long- term sleep data collected with actigraphy, sleep logs and ambient sensors to gain more reliable results and compared these results to each single method's output. Correlations of visually analyzed total sleep time between actigraphy total sleep time (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.662, p <0.01) and sleep log total sleep time (r = 0.787, p <0.01) were high. Also comparison between subjective and objective sleep quality was analyzed and small, but significant correlation was found (r = 0.270, p < 0.01).

Adrenocortical dysregulation as a major player in insulin resistance and onset of obesity

The aim of this review is to explore the dysregulation of adrenocortical secretions as a major contributor in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Disturbance of adipose tissue physiology is one of the primary events in the development of pathologies associated with the metabolic syndrome, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Several studies indicate that alterations in metabolism of glucocorticoids (GC) and androgens, as well as aldosterone in excess, are involved in the emergence of metabolic syndrome. Cross talk among adipose tissue, the hypothalamo-pituitary complex, and adrenal gland activity plays a major role in the control of food intake, glucose metabolism, lipid storage, and energy balance. Perturbation of this cross talk induces alterations in the regulatory mechanisms of adrenocortical steroid synthesis, secretion, degradation, and/or recycling, at the level of the zonae glomerulosa (aldosterone), fasciculata (GC and GC metabolites), and reticularis (androgens and androgen precursors DHEA and DHEAS). As a whole, these adrenocortical perturbations contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome at both the paracrine and systemic level by favoring the physiological dysregulation of organs responsive to aldosterone, GC, and/or androgens, including adipose tissue.

Environmental vascular risk factors: new perspectives for stroke prevention

Despite intensive evaluation of acute stroke patients, perhaps only half of the attributable stroke risk is usually identified. In addition to traditional and non-traditional vascular risk factors-including most recently homocysteine, inflammation, and alterations of coagulation-a number of environmental risk factors for stroke have been identified in the last decade. In this update we review the following: lower education and poor socioeconomic status (probable surrogates for exposure to traditional high-risk behaviors such as smoking, poor nutrition, lack of prenatal control, absence of preventive medical and dental care, and non-compliance of treatment of conditions such as hypertension); depression, stress and affective disorders; obstructive sleep apnea; passive smoking and environmental pollution; infections, in particular periodontal diseases that increase C-reactive protein (CRP); raised body mass index (obesity); exercise, and diet. The possible role of high-fructose corn syrup in the epidemic of obesity in the USA is reviewed. Protective diets include higher consumption of fish, olive oil, grains, fruits and vegetables (Mediterranean diet), as well as probiotic bacteria in yogurt and dairy products. Careful attention should be given to the patient's environment looking for modifiable factors. The effects of clean environmental air and water, adequate diet and appropriate nutrition, healthy teeth, exercise, and refreshing sleep in the prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease appear to be quite compelling. Although some of these modifiable risk factors lack evidence-based information, judicious clinical sense should be used to counteract the potentially damaging effects of adverse environmental vascular risk factors.

Inflammation and sleep in healthy individuals

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Inflammation is relatively common in individuals with a sleep disorder and is associated with quality of sleep. The purpose of this study was to examine whether inflammation is associated with quality of sleep in healthy individuals.

DESIGN & SETTING

Observational study in a General Clinical Research Center.

PARTICIPANTS

This study characterized inflammation and polysomno-graphically verified sleep in 124 African American and Caucasian American women and men without a sleep disorder.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Circulating levels of 3 markers and/or mediators of inflammation known to be elevated in sleep disorders and in cardiovascular disease were determined (interleukin-6 [IL-6] endothelin-1 [ET-1], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1]). Sleep was characterized by polysomnography. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that increasing age, male sex, and African American ethnicity were independently associated with poorer sleep. After controlling for these variables, higher levels of ET-1 were independently associated with greater sleep latency (P < or = 0.01), greater rapid eye movement (REM) latency (P < or = 0.01), more slow wave sleep (P < or = 0.05), and less stage 1 sleep (P < or = 0.01). Higher IL-6 levels were independently associated with greater REM latency (P < or = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that, in individuals without a known sleep disorder, ET-1, a potent vasoconstrictor and mediator of inflammation, is associated with more deep sleep, whereas both ET-1 and IL-6 are associated with increased latency of sleep and of REM. The findings underscore the complex relationships between peripheral markers of inflammation and sleep.

Melatonin as a potential antihypertensive treatment

The number of patients with well-controlled hypertension is alarmingly low worldwide and new approaches to treatment of increased blood pressure (BP) are being sought. Melatonin has a role in blood pressure regulation. The nighttime production of melatonin is found to be reduced in hypertensive individuals. Administration of melatonin decreased BP in several animal models of hypertension, in healthy men and women, and in patients with arterial hypertension. Most promising results were achieved in patients with non-dipping nighttime pressure, in which the circadian rhythm of BP variation is disturbed. Several potential mechanisms of BP reduction are considered. Melatonin can, via its scavenging and antioxidant nature, improve endothelial function with increased availability of nitric oxide exerting vasodilatory and hypotensive effects. Melatonin seems to interfere with peripheral and central autonomic system, with a subsequent decrease in the tone of the adrenergic system and an increase of the cholinergic system. Melatonin may act on BP also via specific melatonin receptors localized in peripheral vessels or in parts of central nervous system participating in BP control. With a large clinical trial using melatonin in hypertension treatment, many important questions could be answered, such as the dose of melatonin and regimen of its application, the choice of patients with greatest possible benefit from melatonin treatment, the potential of anti-remodeling effect of melatonin and the interaction of melatonin with other antihypertensive drugs.