Metabolic Syndrome: The Consequences of Disrupted Sleep

Those who cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, CFIDS, ME) and Fibromyalgia know firsthand about the frustration of disrupted sleep patterns. Now, a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that disrupted circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycles) probably also contributes to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

The study available at the Science Express website, which concluded that mice with a mutation in a gene called “Clock” eat significantly more and gain more weight, shows that disruptions to the circadian rhythms can result in the onset of metabolic syndrome.

The study done by Fred W. Turek, Ph.D., and Joseph Bass, M.D., Ph.D., of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois was also supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) -- all components of the NIH at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of conditions shown to increase a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is considered to exist in people who have at least 3 of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, high glucose (sugar) levels which can indicate risk for diabetes, high triglyceride levels, low levels of good cholesterol, and a large waist.

Additional information on metabolic syndrome and the study cited here can be found at:

Study Finds Possible Mechanism For Link Between Sleep Disturbances And Metabolic Syndrome

Original press release about the study from the NIH/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome -- Mayo Clinic

Metabolic Syndrome -- Cleveland Clinic

Metabolic Syndrome Weight Loss Matters -- Diabetes.org

NIH/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute