Impact of Short Sleep Duration On Cardiometabolic Health in Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of short sleep duration among adolescents and young adults has become a significant public health concern due to its association with various negative health outcomes, particularly cardiometabolic diseases. Sleep plays a vital role in regulating metabolic processes and cardiovascular health, and insufficient sleep has been linked to the development of conditions such as insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, and increased arterial stiffness [1][2]. The physiological mechanisms through which short sleep duration influences these outcomes remain a critical area of investigation [3].                                                                                   

Objectives: This review aims to examine the impact of short sleep duration on cardiometabolic health in adolescents and young adults, focusing on the physiological pathways involved, the role of lifestyle factors, and the potential benefits of interventions such as sleep hygiene education and vitamin D supplementation [4][5].                                                             

Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2011 and 2024. Studies examining the relationship between sleep duration and cardiometabolic health in adolescents and young adults were selected. Key areas of focus included the effects of sleep deprivation on insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, blood pressure, and vascular function [6][7]. The role of vitamin D in modulating sleep and cardiometabolic outcomes was also explored [8].                

Results: The review identified consistent evidence linking short sleep duration with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes, including increased insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and impaired vascular function [9][10]. Studies highlighted the vulnerability of adolescents and young adults to these effects, given their critical period of growth and development [11]. Vitamin D deficiency was found to exacerbate these conditions, with evidence suggesting that vitamin D supplementation may improve both sleep quality and cardiovascular health [1][12]. Lifestyle interventions, such as physical activity and dietary modifications, were shown to mitigate some of the negative effects of sleep deprivation [13][14].                                                                             

Conclusion: Short sleep duration is a significant risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases in adolescents and young adults. This review underscores the need for public health initiatives aimed at improving sleep quality and duration in younger populations [2]. Interventions such as sleep hygiene education, increased physical activity, and vitamin D supplementation may offer promising strategies to prevent or reduce the impact of sleep deprivation on cardiometabolic health [5][12]. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between sleep and cardiometabolic diseases and to develop targeted interventions to address this growing health concern.