Impact of Insomnia and Night Sleep of Less Than 7 Hours on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components: A Cross-Sectional Study in Health-Care Workers

Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between night sleep of less than 7 hours and insomnia with metabolic syndrome and its components in health-care workers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 410 health-care workers in an educational hospital. Insomnia (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or poor sleep quality) and obstructive sleep apnea were evaluated by the insomnia severity index and the STOP-BANG questionnaire, and average hours of sleep were classified as <7 (short sleep), 7-8 (normal sleep), and ≥9 (long sleep) hours. The metabolic syndrome was determined using the Adult Treatment Panel III standards of the National Cholesterol Education Program. The multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between sleep duration and insomnia with metabolic syndrome.

Results: The findings showed that the frequency of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher among health-care workers with insomnia (OR=2.02; 95% CI 1.32-2.48) and short sleep duration (OR=1.64; 95% CI 1.33-2.17) compared with those without insomnia and with normal sleep duration after adjusting for confounders. Additionally, workers with insomnia and short sleep duration had significantly higher waist circumference levels, systolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels than those without insomnia and normal sleep duration (P < .05).

Conclusion: The current investigation showed night sleep of <7 hours and insomnia in shift workers increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Therefore, paying attention to sleep hygiene, periodic screening for insomnia, and access to physical activity can prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of metabolic syndrome.

Cite this article as: Kabir-Mokamelkhah E, Asghari O, Safaei N. Impact of insomnia and night sleep of less than 7 hours on metabolic syndrome and its components: A cross-sectional study in health-care workers. Endocrinol Res Pract. 2024;28(2):107-112.