Restless nights and frequent awakenings may indicate metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a condition that often progresses silently. This finding comes from a study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel, recently published in the journal Frontiers in Network Physiology.
Man Sleeping
Restless Sleep and Fatty Liver Disease: The Study
To explore the connection between sleep disruptions and MASLD, researchers studied 46 adults diagnosed with the condition. Eight patients with cirrhosis unrelated to MASLD served as a comparison group, along with a control group of 16 healthy volunteers. Participants wore activity and body temperature monitors for four weeks and maintained sleep journals, providing detailed insights into their sleep patterns.
The results revealed that while sleep duration and time in bed were similar between MASLD patients and healthy controls, those with MASLD experienced significantly more restless nights. They woke up 55% more often and remained awake 113% longer during these episodes.
Additionally, MASLD patients reported lower sleep quality, with 32% attributing their disturbances to stress, compared to just 6% of the healthy group. They also napped more frequently and for longer periods during the day.
| Topic | Findings |
|---|---|
| What is MASLD? | A liver condition caused by fat buildup, linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. |
| Sleep and MASLD | MASLD patients wake up 55% more often and spend 113% longer awake during the night. |
| Daytime Impact | Patients nap more frequently and report lower overall sleep quality compared to healthy adults. |
| Study Participants | 46 with MASLD, 8 with unrelated cirrhosis, and 16 healthy controls were monitored. |
| Interventions Tested | A single session of sleep hygiene education was insufficient to improve sleep patterns. |
Sleep Fragmentation: Cause or Effect?
The study concluded that sleep fragmentation may play a role in the progression of MASLD, but the direction of causality remains unclear. “We concluded from our data that sleep fragmentation plays a role in the pathogenesis of human metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. It remains unclear whether MASLD causes sleep disturbances or vice versa,” explains Dr. Sofia Schaeffer, corresponding author of the study.
Underlying factors, such as genetics, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and immune responses, are believed to contribute to both sleep disruptions and liver disease.
Can Improving Sleep Help Manage MASLD?
The research team also examined whether improving sleep could alleviate symptoms of MASLD. A single session of sleep hygiene education did not produce lasting changes in sleep patterns for either MASLD patients or healthy individuals.
“Future studies should explore follow-up sleep counseling or interventions like light therapy combined with other lifestyle changes to improve the sleep-wake cycle in MASLD patients,” notes Dr. Christine Bernsmeier, lead author of the study.
Final Thoughts
If you’re waking up more often than sleeping through the night, it might be worth considering what your body is trying to tell you. Research like this reminds us that seemingly small disruptions, like restless sleep, could signal something more significant, such as fatty liver disease. While more answers are needed, paying attention to your sleep patterns could be an important step toward better health—and a better night’s rest.
FAQ
1. What is metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD)?
MASLD is a condition where fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It can progress without obvious symptoms.
2. How does MASLD affect sleep?
Research shows that people with MASLD experience more frequent awakenings and longer periods of wakefulness at night, leading to sleep fragmentation.
3. Can poor sleep cause fatty liver disease?
It’s unclear whether poor sleep causes MASLD or vice versa, but both may share underlying factors like stress, obesity, and metabolic changes.
4. Can improving sleep help with MASLD?
Better sleep may help manage symptoms, but current research, including sleep hygiene education, has shown inconclusive results.
5. When should I see a doctor about sleep issues?
If you experience frequent awakenings or poor sleep quality over an extended period, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have other risk factors for MASLD.
References
Schaeffer, S., Bogdanovic, A., Hildebrandt, T., Flint, E., Geng, A., Pecenko, S., Lussier, P., Strumberger, M. A., Meyer, M., Weber, J., Heim, M. H., Cajochen, C., & Bernsmeier, C. (2024). Significant nocturnal wakefulness after sleep onset in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. Frontiers in Network Physiology, 4, Article 1458665. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnetp.2024.1458665
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