Sleep deprivation linked to serious health conditions

Chronic sleep deprivation significantly raises the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic disorders, according to a leading respiratory expert.

Sofia Schiza, professor of Pulmonology and Vice-Rector of the University of Crete, told in.gr that adequate and uninterrupted sleep is essential for the body to reorganise, recover strength and respond effectively to daily demands.

Ongoing studies are revealing connections between sleep deprivation and malignancies, kidney disease, psoriasis and less studied conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus, Schiza said.

The expert emphasised that adults and adolescents need 7-8 hours of sleep nightly, with people aged 65-70 and older experiencing changes in sleep pattern distribution and duration.

Sleep apnoea, characterised by snoring and breathing pauses during sleep, is the most common disorder bringing patients to sleep laboratories. The condition leads to oxygen drops during sleep, affecting organ oxygenation.

Since 2024, the cardiology society recommends sleep apnoea screening for patients with resistant hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease and stroke, Schiza said.

Sleep apnoea can cause morning fatigue, daytime sleepiness leading to traffic or workplace accidents, memory and concentration problems, irritability, and frequent urination at night. The European Union has included it in mandatory driving licence health checks.

The condition is genetically determined and has at least four known pathophysiological pathways. Sleep experts can now determine the expression percentage in each patient to provide precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans.

Other sleep-related conditions include restless leg syndrome, sleepwalking primarily in adolescence, narcolepsy in younger ages, and central apnoeas due to heart failure or respiratory disorders related to COPD or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Schiza highlighted the importance of early detection and proper treatment of sleep disorders in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, noting that research conducted in Crete over 6-7 years showed reduced morbidity and mortality rates with timely intervention.

Treatment options range from CPAP masks that eliminate snoring and apnoeas while restoring oxygen levels during sleep, to medications, dental prosthetics, upper airway muscle electrical stimulation therapy, and combined treatments with lifestyle changes, smoking cessation, exercise and proper nutrition.

“With patient participation, the results are remarkable – as seen in millions of patients worldwide – showing reduction or elimination of daytime symptoms and cardiometabolic risk,” Schiza said.

Experts recommend that individuals experiencing symptoms such as waking up tired, morning headaches or disruptive snoring should promptly consult sleep specialists or certified sleep laboratories for comprehensive assessment.