International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

VOLUME 27(21) (2025)

Sleep and Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Sleep Disorders in CV Risk: Review Article

Mohamed Hussein¹

¹ Specialist cardiology Dubai hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

                Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global reason for morbidity & mortality, & increasing evidence indicates the sleep-dependent state of cardiovascular well-being. Sleep disorders, counting obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, & restless legs syndrome, have increasingly been recognized as leading causes of CVD risk. This review evaluates the relationship among sleep disorders & cardiovascular risk, describes the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, & discusses whether CVD burden can be attenuated by intervention with sleep. A thorough review of the literature had been performed, integrating results from recent research and clinical evidence on sleep disorders and their cardiovascular effects. The most important mechanisms, such as sympathetic nervous activation, dysregulation of blood pressure, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic alterations, were studied. Sleep disorders like OSA, insomnia, & RLS significantly contribute to CVD risk by disrupting physiological mechanisms that play a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis. OSA through intermittent hypoxia & over activity of the sympathetic nervous system, insomnia via chronic inflammation and stress, and RLS via sleep fragmentation and elevated blood pressure. Both short (<6hours) & long (>9hours) sleep durations are also related to increased cardiovascular risk. Interventions like continuous positive airway pressure for OSA, cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia, and lifestyle modification are of potential benefit to reduce such risks. Sleep management incorporation in cardiovascular practice is of vital importance in order to optimize health gains and reduce the CVD burden at a global level.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease; sleep disorders; obstructive sleep apnea; insomnia; restless legs syndrome; sleep duration;

Mini review article  *Corresponding Author, e-mail:  mohamedgheita12@gmail.com