Sleep Disorders and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review

Sleep is a normal physiological phenomenon. Humans spend approximately one-third of their life sleeping. A night of restorative sleep is normally characterized by a sleep duration between 7-9 hours per day, falling asleep easily and staying asleep without interruption, waking up feeling refreshed, and staying awake during the day. However, deviations may result in sleep disorders, which include insomnia, hypersomnolence, parasomnias, sleep-related movement disorders, and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders. Breathing disorders may also result in fragmented sleep. Sleep disorders are common all over the world. They are often associated with other health disorders, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and psychiatric illnesses. They also suffer from many behavioral disorders. They are more frequently absent from work, have more accidents, and are less productive. Overall, there is reduced well-being and a decrease in the quality of life in these patients. Sleep disorders also increase mortality. Chronic sleep deprivation is a major financial burden on society. Improper sleep is also consistently and strongly associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Major cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death), peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, and vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. Improper sleep plays a negative role in the pathogenesis of all of these. Sleep-CVD relationship is often bi-directional. Cardiac disorders, especially during intensive care hospitalization, may prevent restorative sleep. Maintenance of a good sleep regimen and treatment of sleep-related disorders is an important goal in the quest for further improving global cardiovascular health. This manuscript reviews normal sleep and the effects of sleep disorders on cardiovascular diseases.