Impact of Body Composition on Sleep and Its Relationship with Sleep Disorders: Current Insights

Yu Kawasaki,1 Eri Kitamura,1 Takatoshi Kasai2– 5 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 2Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 3Sleep and Sleep-Disordered Breathing Center, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; 4Cardiovascular Respiratory Sleep Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; 5Department of Cardiovascular Management and Remote Monitoring, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Takatoshi Kasai, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-1-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Tel +81-3-6873-2869, Fax +81-3-6873-2869, Email kasai-t@mx6.nisiq.netAbstract: Sleep is involved in many physiological processes and is essential for both physical and mental health. Obesity and sleep deprivation due to sleep disorders are major public health issues. Their incidence is increasing, and they have a wide range of adverse health-related consequences, including life-threatening cardiovascular disease. The impact of sleep on obesity and body composition is well-known, and many studies have shown an association between insufficient or excessive sleep duration and obesity, body fat percentage, and weight gain. However, there is growing evidence of the effects of body composition on sleep and sleep disorders (particularly sleep disordered breathing) through anatomical and physiological mechanisms (nocturnal fluid shift, core body temperature, or diet). Although some research has been conducted on the bidirectional effects of sleep-disordered breathing and body composition, the specific effects of obesity and body composition on sleep and the underlying mechanisms that explain these effects remain unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes the findings on the effects of body composition on sleep and draws conclusions and proposals for future research in this field.Keywords: body composition, sleep, sleep disorder, weight gain