Sleep, sleep disorders, and quality of life in people who have cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Hypertension and coronary heart disease are leading global causes of death, disability, and decrements in health-related quality of life. Sleep disorders are also intimately associated with health-related quality of life, appear to be factors influencing the progression of cardiovascular disease, and are more common among people with these disorders than the general population of middle-aged and older adults. Factors that contribute to sleep quality and sleep disorders appear to be multifactorial in this setting and may include demographic, clinical, and treatment-related characteristics. The purposes of this chapter are to evaluate the nature of sleep and sleep disorders and quality of life in adults with cardiovascular disease, as well as those who may be at-risk for cardiovascular disease; to critically review research findings addressing the relationships between sleep, sleep disorders and quality of life; and to propose directions for future research. © 2008 Humana Press, Totowa, NJ.