Circadian Clock Desynchronisation and Metabolic Syndrome
Circadian Clock Desynchronisation and Metabolic Syndrome
Nowadays, there is emerging evidence in the literature to suggest that circadian rhythm disruption is a risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome. Circadian disruptions can result from sleep–wake cycling disturbance or night eating. In our contemporary society, individuals are voluntarily deceasing sleep duration for various reasons without knowing its future impact on their health. Indeed, general public awareness is needed especially among youngsters. Furthermore, since data have shown optimising sleep duration and avoiding circadian rhythm disruption may prevent the development of metabolic syndrome, attention needs to be made to address and treat sleep disturbances. Moreover, more studies are needed for nightshift workers: in particular, interventional studies to answer questions on how many nights back-to-back can an individual work without developing metabolic syndrome; how many rest days in-between is needed; and when is it not too late to reverse metabolic syndrome in nightshift workers. Further research will help to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of circadian desynchronisation and the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions
Nowadays, there is emerging evidence in the literature to suggest that circadian rhythm disruption is a risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome. Circadian disruptions can result from sleep–wake cycling disturbance or night eating. In our contemporary society, individuals are voluntarily deceasing sleep duration for various reasons without knowing its future impact on their health. Indeed, general public awareness is needed especially among youngsters. Furthermore, since data have shown optimising sleep duration and avoiding circadian rhythm disruption may prevent the development of metabolic syndrome, attention needs to be made to address and treat sleep disturbances. Moreover, more studies are needed for nightshift workers: in particular, interventional studies to answer questions on how many nights back-to-back can an individual work without developing metabolic syndrome; how many rest days in-between is needed; and when is it not too late to reverse metabolic syndrome in nightshift workers. Further research will help to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of circadian desynchronisation and the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.
