The Association of Sleep Insufficiency with Aging-related Atherosclerosis Markers : Cross-sectional Study

[ABSTRACT] Objectives: This study was designed to reveal the differences of the association of subjective sleep insufficiency (SSI) with aging-related atherosclerosis markers, in comparison among three age-groups (under 59, 60 to 69, over 70-years old) and between genders. It has been well-known that both aging and insomnia are associated with atherosclerosis. However, it is unclear how sleep might affect aging-related atherosclerotic status. It is necessary to look into an effective prophylaxis against atherosclerosis with due consideration of age and gender. Subjects: A total of 233 men and 248 women undergoing an anti-aging health checkup at Tokai University Tokyo Hospital were enrolled in the study. Methods: A statistical analysis was performed to assess correlation of age and atherosclerosis makers, and to investigate the impact levels of SSI on the aging-related atherosclerotic markers, in comparison among three age-groups in each gender. Results: We investigated that interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the over 70-years old men, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the under 59 and the over 70-years old men were associated with SSI. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of the 60 to 69-years old women was increased with SSI, after adjustment for some confounders. Conclusion: This study shows that our result may possibly show the pleiotropic function of IL-6 and IGF-1 among men. Furthermore, the insufficient sleep might increase the LDL level in women.