Sleep factors and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in NHANES adults

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The Original Article was published on

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Abstract

Aim: Recent studies suggest an association between sleep patterns and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among American adults. Despite established sex-specific disparities in MASLD prevalence, the potential influence of sex on the sleep-MASLD relationship is not well defined. Our research aims to elucidate the sex-specific associations of sleep with MASLD by utilizing a nationally representative cohort from the United States. Methods: Data from United States adults aged 20 and older in the 2017–2020 NHANES were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Sleep parameters were assessed via interviewer-administered questionnaires, while MASLD was defined using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). Sex-specific associations were investigated with sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression models, and their robustness was tested through subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Results: This study included 5,243 participants (51.2% female). A significant association was observed between sleep disorders and a greater likelihood of MASLD among male participants (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.08–2.10). After full adjustment for covariates, the association remained significant in females (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06–2.16). Conversely, high sleep debt remained significantly associated with MASLD in both sexes (males: OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.14–2.37; females: OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06–2.15). Subgroup analyses confirmed that sex did not modify these relationships. Conclusions: Sleep disorders and sleep debt were significantly associated with MASLD in both sexes. These findings suggest that sleep health may represent an important modifiable target in MASLD prevention strategies.

Keywords

sleep / metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease / sex / NHANES / cross-sectional study

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