Fragmented Sleep Linked to Most Common Liver Disease
Individuals with the most common form of liver disease experience noticeably fragmented sleep compared to healthy individuals, according to a recent study. This disturbance marked by frequent awakenings may play a role in the development of the condition, indicating a potential new therapeutic target.
The study, published in Frontier in Network Physiology, investigated sleep patterns in 35 individuals diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is characterized by a buildup of fat in the liver and is closely tied to other metabolic problems like obesity, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol. This marks the first time researchers have objectively measured sleep patterns in MASLD patients using 24/7 actigraphy, a method that tracks movement and sleep.
Tucking In: MASLD and Sleep Quality
While participants with MASLD reported comparable total sleep duration to healthy controls, the researchers found strikingly different patterns. Participants with MASLD woke up more often each night and took longer to fall asleep once awakened, indicating poorer sleep quality even if overall sleep duration appeared similar.
“Here we show for the first time with an objective method, 24/7 actigraphy, that the sleep-wake rhythm in patients with MASLD does indeed differ from that in healthy individuals: those with MASLD demonstrated significant fragmentation of their nightly sleep due to frequent awakenings and increased wakefulness,” the lead researcher explained.
Understanding the Connection
Researchers believe improving sleep could potentially benefit those with MASLD. Circadian misalignment, where the body’s internal clock is out of sync, often contributes to metabolic disorders. This study showcases a link between fragmented sleep and MASLD, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits of addressing sleep disruption in managing the disease.
Beyond objective data, participants also documented their sleep experiences through questionnaires. Self- reported sleep duration was shorter in the MASLD group compared to healthy controls. Thirty-two percent of individuals with MASLD noted sleep disturbances caused by psychological stress.
While standardized sleep hygiene education featuring practical tips for better sleep habits was provided, it did not significantly improve sleep patterns.
Using two months of 24/7 monitoring showed substantial differences in sleep architecture in individuals with MASLD compared to healthy controls, suggesting an emerging connection between the two variables.
Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of fragmented
sleep on MASLD progression and explore interventions beyond education to improve sleep quality. Targeting improved sleep might become a valuable addition to existing therapies for MASLD.
What strategies could be used to improve sleep quality in MASLD patients?
## Fragmented Sleep and Fatty Liver: A Closer Look
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Dr. Smith. We’re discussing groundbreaking research linking fragmented sleep to the most common form of liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD. Can you tell our viewers a bit more about this discovery?
**Dr. Smith:** Certainly. This new study published in *Frontier in Network Physiology* is fascinating. For the first time, researchers objectively measured sleep patterns in MASLD patients using actigraphy, a method that tracks movement and sleep 24/7.
**Interviewer:** And what did they find?
**Dr. Smith:** While both MASLD patients and healthy controls reported similar total sleep times, there were significant differences in sleep quality. Those with MASLD experienced much more fragmented sleep, waking up more frequently throughout the night and taking longer to fall asleep again. [[1](https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/fatty-liver-disease-sleep-fragmented/2024/12/05/id/1190448/)]
**Interviewer:** That’s intriguing. Could this fragmented sleep actually contribute to the development of MASLD?
**Dr. Smith:** That’s what researchers believe. Continuous sleep disruptions could potentially worsen MASLD by interfering with the body’s metabolic processes and hormone regulation, both of which are crucial for liver health.
**Interviewer:** Wow, this opens up new avenues for treatment, doesn’t it?
**Dr. Smith:** Absolutely. Improving sleep quality in MASLD patients could become a key therapeutic target. This might involve strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, sleep hygiene education, or potentially even pharmaceutical interventions.
**Interviewer:** This is certainly groundbreaking research, Dr. Smith. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Dr. Smith:** My pleasure.
