Short Sleep Duration is Associated with Central Arterial Stiffness in Children Independent of Other Lifestyle Behaviors

Abstract

Purpose: Children require 9–11 h sleep to ensure adequate growth and development by optimizing the efficiency of a number of biological systems, including the cardiovascular system. The study aim was to determine whether short sleep duration (< 9 h) is associated with elevated aortic arterial stiffness in children aged 9–11 years, independent of other lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary patterns. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 421 children (51% female) aged 9–11 years. Aortic arterial stiffness was measured using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), sleep duration, time spent sedentary, and moderate-vigorous physical activity were measured using wrist actigraphy, and dietary patterns using a food frequency questionnaire. Associations between short sleep duration and cfPWV were examined using mixed effects regression. Results: There was a positive [unadjusted] association between short sleep duration and cfPWV (β = 0.245, 95% CI 0.093–0.396). This association persisted following adjustment for demographic factors and was strengthened following adjustment for lifestyle behaviors (β = 0.331, 95% CI 0.109–0.553). Conclusions: Short sleepers (< 9 h) had a clinically meaningful elevated aortic arterial stiffness in comparison to those sleeping the recommended daily 9–11 h. Sleep duration may be important for cardiovascular health independent of other lifestyle behaviors.