We all know that disturbed sleep can negatively impact mental health and energy levels, but it can also have serious effects on physical health. Now, researchers have linked sleep deprivation to fatty liver disease.

According to the study, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) - a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver - can lead to poor sleep quality. This includes difficulty falling asleep, prolonged sleep duration, and decreased overall sleep efficiency.

The study using clinical trial data was conducted by researchers at the Center for Digestive and Liver Diseases at the University of Basel, Switzerland. how a person's circadian rhythm is affected by MASLD has been studied before, but most of these studies were based solely on sleep surveys based solely on sleep questionnaires.

However, in this recent Swiss study, sleep data were collected from two groups: 46 adult women and men with biopsy-proven MASLD or cirrhosis and a control group of 16 healthy individuals. The study excluded individuals younger than 18 years, pregnant or lactating mothers, shift workers, and those suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea or other physical or mental disorders.

All participants were asked to wear Act Trust, a wrist-worn device that monitors activity, light, and wrist temperature to collect sleep data, daily (24 hours a day except while showering and during sports sessions) until the end of the study.

This study sheds light on how underlying health conditions can affect sleep and ultimately overall wellbeing. Let's take a closer look at how this study was conducted.

Data recorded by the devices were analyzed using ActStudio software, which calculates parameters such as bedtime, wake time, total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency percentage, and number of awakenings.

The results showed that both groups slept the same amount of time, but patients with fatty liver awoke 55% more often and lay awake 113% longer than controls, waiting to fall asleep. Said postdoctoral researcher Sophia Schaefer, who led the study, “We found that patients with fatty liver woke up more frequently and stayed awake longer, resulting in a significant fragmentation of sleep during the night.”

Sleep disturbances due to psychological stress were also reported more frequently in MASLD patients (32%) compared to healthy subjects (6.25%) and cirrhosis patients (9%). To raise awareness of developing healthy sleep habits, MASLD patients received sleep hygiene education (SHE) sessions during the course of the study. However, this did not appear to change their poor sleep patterns until the end of the study.

“The underlying mechanisms may involve genetics, environmental factors, and activation of the immune response (ultimately caused by obesity and metabolic syndrome),” Schaeffer added.

This may be the first clinical study aimed at finding a link between sleep disturbances and fatty liver disease, but researchers are still not certain whether MASLD actually causes insomnia or vice versa.

“Future studies should consider interventions such as permanent sleep counseling sessions and light therapy combined with other lifestyle modifications to improve the sleep-wake cycle of MASLD patients,” explained Christine Dr. Bernsmeier explained.

While a single SHE session is unlikely to change sleep patterns overnight, adhering to good sleep hygiene habits is essential for the body and mind to get the rest they need and can improve overall health over time. Here are three ways to do so:

Studies have shown that going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help regulate circadian rhythms (the body's sleep cycle). With today's fast-paced lifestyles, this is no easy task, and you may run into obstacles such as project deadlines. That's why it's important to know how to reset your sleep schedule.

It is also important to avoid napping during the day, as it can rob you of your “sleep hunger” (the desire to sleep) at night.

Where you sleep is an important factor in determining how you sleep. External factors such as light, sound, and temperature can affect sleep quality. Using light curtains, sleep earplugs, and setting the room to an appropriate temperature can help address these issues.

An uncluttered space promotes peace of mind and relaxation. Try to avoid working in the bedroom, as it can sever the brain's connection to rest and delay falling asleep. It is also essential to get the basics right. Invest in a mattress and a pillow that best suits your sleeping position.

Studies have shown that eating sugary snacks and foods with a high glycemic index can lead to insomnia. The same is true for smoking and bedtime caffeine consumption.

Importantly, consuming vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods are less associated with insomnia symptoms. According to the National Council on Aging, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and fruits such as kiwis are commonly known as foods that promote good sleep.