TY - JOUR
T1 - Linking Sleep Disorders to Atrial Fibrillation
T2 - Pathways, Risks, and Treatment Implications
AU - Ferreira, Monica
AU - Oliveira, Mario
AU - Laranjo, Sergio
AU - Rocha, Isabel
N1 - Funding Information:
This paper was funded by Funda\u00E7\u00E3o para a Ci\u00EAncia e a Tecnologia, reference number UIDB/00306/2020.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.
PY - 2024/10
Y1 - 2024/10
N2 - Sleep is a complex biobehavioural process essential for overall health, with various dimensions including duration, continuity, timing, and satisfaction. This study investigated the intricate relationships between common sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and their impact on atrial fibrillation (AF), a prevalent arrhythmia with significant health implications. Using a comprehensive review of the current literature, this study examined the pathophysiological mechanisms linking sleep disorders to cardiovascular risks, focusing on autonomic nervous system disturbances, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with OSA. These findings indicate that sleep disorders significantly elevate the risk of AF through mechanisms such as increased sympathetic activity and structural cardiac remodelling. Additionally, this study highlights the potential benefits of treating sleep disorders, particularly with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, in reducing AF recurrence and improving cardiovascular outcomes. This conclusion emphasises the importance of integrated therapeutic approaches that address both sleep disorders and AF to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should explore these connections to develop more effective and holistic treatment strategies.
AB - Sleep is a complex biobehavioural process essential for overall health, with various dimensions including duration, continuity, timing, and satisfaction. This study investigated the intricate relationships between common sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and their impact on atrial fibrillation (AF), a prevalent arrhythmia with significant health implications. Using a comprehensive review of the current literature, this study examined the pathophysiological mechanisms linking sleep disorders to cardiovascular risks, focusing on autonomic nervous system disturbances, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with OSA. These findings indicate that sleep disorders significantly elevate the risk of AF through mechanisms such as increased sympathetic activity and structural cardiac remodelling. Additionally, this study highlights the potential benefits of treating sleep disorders, particularly with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, in reducing AF recurrence and improving cardiovascular outcomes. This conclusion emphasises the importance of integrated therapeutic approaches that address both sleep disorders and AF to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should explore these connections to develop more effective and holistic treatment strategies.
KW - atrial fibrillation
KW - cardiovascular risk
KW - obstructive sleep apnoea
KW - sleep disorders
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85207685377&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/biology13100761
DO - 10.3390/biology13100761
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85207685377
SN - 2079-7737
VL - 13
JO - Biology
JF - Biology
IS - 10
M1 - 761
ER -