No effects of short-term sleep restriction, in a controlled feeding setting, on lipid profiles in normal-weight adults

Abstract

Short sleep has been associated with cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of short-term sleep restriction on lipid profiles and resting blood pressure factors in young, normal-weight individuals (14 men, 13 women). Participants were randomized to five nights of either habitual (9 h) or short (4 h) sleep in a cross-over design separated by a 3-week washout period. There was no sleep × day interaction on lipid profile and blood pressure. Short-term sleep restriction does not alter lipid profiles and resting blood pressure in healthy, normal-weight individuals. The association between short sleep and increased cardiovascular risk reported in the epidemiological literature may be the result of long-term sleep restriction and poor lifestyle choices.

Keywords: blood pressure; short sleep; total cholesterol; triglycerides.

© 2013 European Sleep Research Society.

Figures

Figure 1

Mean 24 h triglyceride (TG, mg/dL) profile following 3 nights of habitual (9h, black line) or short (4 h, broken line) sleep. The sleep episode is depicted by the back (9h) or broken (4h) line by the x-axis. Data are means ± SD, n = 27. Meals, as indicated, were served after the blood draw at 0800, 1200, 1600 (snack), and 1900 h. Habitual sleep time period: 2200 – 0700; short sleep period: 0100 – 0500.