In a recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, researchers examined the stability of sleep health phenotypes over a decade and their association with chronic conditions. Led by Soomi Lee, PhD, the study sheds light on how distinct sleep patterns influence long-term health outcomes.
The study, conducted using data from the Midlife in the United States study, tracked a national sample of 3,683 adults over two time points: 2004-2006 and 2013-2017. Participants reported on various aspects of sleep health, including regularity, satisfaction, alertness, efficiency, and duration. The researchers also analyzed the presence of chronic conditions and considered several demographic and lifestyle factors as covariates.
Key Findings:
Sleep Health Phenotypes: Latent transition analysis revealed four sleep health phenotypes: good sleepers, insomnia sleepers, weekend catch-up sleepers, and nappers.
Stability Over Time: Approximately 77% of participants maintained their sleep phenotype over the 10-year period, with nappers and insomnia sleepers exhibiting the highest stability.
Association with Chronic Conditions: Insomnia sleepers at either time point showed an increased risk (28-81%) of total chronic conditions at the second time point compared to good sleepers. Insomnia sleepers at both time points had a significantly higher risk (72-188%) of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and frailty. Nappers also faced increased risks of diabetes, cancer, and frailty.
Demographic Factors: Lower education levels and unemployment were associated with a higher likelihood of being insomnia sleepers, while older adults and retirees were more likely to be nappers.
The study underscores the importance of sleep health in predicting chronic disease outcomes. Individuals with suboptimal sleep patterns, particularly insomnia sleepers, face a heightened risk of developing various chronic conditions over time. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and reduce the burden of chronic disease.
By understanding the long-term implications of different sleep phenotypes, healthcare providers can tailor preventive strategies to promote better sleep and overall health among their patients.
Reference:
Lee, S., Smith, C. E., Wallace, M. L., Buxton, O. M., Almeida, D. M., Patel, S. R., & Andel, R. (2024). 10-Year Stability of an Insomnia Sleeper Phenotype and Its Association with Chronic Conditions. Psychosomatic Medicine. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000001288