Psychosocial factors are associated with sleep disturbances and evening chronotype among women: A brief report from the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate associations between psychosocial factors and sleep characteristics commonly linked to cardiovascular disease risk among racially/ethnically diverse women.

Methods: Women from the AHA Go Red for Women cohort (N = 506, 61% racial/ethnic minority, 37 ± 16years) were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, education, and insurance.

Results: Women with depression had ∼3-fold higher odds of short sleep (95%CI=1.69-4.61), 2-fold higher odds of poor sleep quality and obstructive sleep apnea risk (95%CI=1.42-3.70 and 1.34-4.24), 4-fold higher odds of insomnia (95%CI=2.42-6.59), and greater likelihood of having an evening chronotype (OR:2.62, 95%CI=1.41-4.89). Low social support was associated with insomnia (OR:1.79, 95%CI=1.18-2.71) and evening chronotype (OR:2.38, 95%CI=1.35-4.19). Caregiving was associated with short sleep (OR:1.73, 95%CI=1.08-2.77) and obstructive sleep apnea risk (OR:2.46, 95%CI=1.43-4.22).

Conclusions: Depression, caregiver strain, and low social support are significantly associated with poor sleep and evening chronotype, highlighting a potential mechanism linking these psychosocial factors to cardiovascular disease risk.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease prevention; Caregiving; Chronotype; Depression; Sleep; Social support.