Dr. T K Shanmugaraj

Sleep disorders, encompassing conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and circadian rhythm disturbances, have emerged as critical contributors to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, which remains a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity. These disorders disrupt the restorative functions of sleep, initiating a cascade of physiological changes including heightened sympathetic nervous system activation, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic dysregulation. Such disruptions significantly exacerbate cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders and cardiovascular health highlights the need for comprehensive management strategies that integrate sleep health into broader preventive care frameworks. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 29 studies to explore the underlying mechanisms linking sleep disorders to cardiovascular outcomes, evaluate the effectiveness of current therapeutic interventions, and identify challenges in diagnosing and managing these conditions. Using a PRISMA-based methodology, the review emphasizes the role of sleep disorders as both independent risk factors and contributors to the progression of existing cardiovascular conditions. Evidence suggests that interventions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for OSA and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can mitigate cardiovascular risks, but challenges related to adherence, access, and awareness remain significant barriers. Sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, RLS, and OSA significantly impair heart health by disrupting the sleep cycle, increasing cardiovascular stress, and promoting metabolic dysregulation. Despite advancements in understanding the relationship between sleep disorders and cardiovascular health, critical gaps in knowledge persist, particularly regarding the long-term impact of therapies, the role of emerging technologies, and the implications of genetic and environmental factors. By addressing these gaps and promoting multidisciplinary approaches to care, integrating sleep health into cardiovascular risk management can significantly reduce the burden of disease. The findings underscore the urgent need for public health initiatives, policy interventions, and innovative research to address the dual burden of sleep disorders and cardiovascular diseases, ultimately improving population health outcomes.