Linking Sleep Disorders to Atrial Fibrillation: Pathways, Risks, and Treatment Implications.

Simple Summary: This review explores how common sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnoea, can affect heart health, particularly by increasing the risk of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF). Sleep is vital for overall health, and disruptions in sleep can lead to significant health issues. Insomnia and sleep apnoea are widespread problems that affect millions of people worldwide. This paper examines how these sleep issues might cause changes in the body that lead to heart problems, such as inflammation and stress. The review also discusses how treating sleep disorders, especially with therapies such as continuous positive airway pressure for sleep apnoea, can help reduce the risk of developing AF and improve overall heart health. These conclusions are important because they suggest that addressing sleep disorders could be a key part of preventing and managing heart conditions, ultimately helping to improve people's quality of life and reduce the burden of heart disease on society. Sleep is a complex biobehavioural process essential for overall health, with various dimensions including duration, continuity, timing, and satisfaction. This study investigated the intricate relationships between common sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and their impact on atrial fibrillation (AF), a prevalent arrhythmia with significant health implications. Using a comprehensive review of the current literature, this study examined the pathophysiological mechanisms linking sleep disorders to cardiovascular risks, focusing on autonomic nervous system disturbances, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with OSA. These findings indicate that sleep disorders significantly elevate the risk of AF through mechanisms such as increased sympathetic activity and structural cardiac remodelling. Additionally, this study highlights the potential benefits of treating sleep disorders, particularly with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, in reducing AF recurrence and improving cardiovascular outcomes. This conclusion emphasises the importance of integrated therapeutic approaches that address both sleep disorders and AF to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should explore these connections to develop more effective and holistic treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]