And recent study carried out by the University of BaselSwitzerland, found a link between sleep disorders and MASLD (Steatotic Liver Disease Associated with Metabolic Dysfunction). The finding provides evidence to understand how problems associated with night rest can exacerbate the liver condition and generate additional complications.
The researchers found that patients with MASLD not only have fragmented sleep, but also suffer alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, which could influence the progression of liver disease.
This discovery opens new doors to address the treatment of MASLD, which could include better sleep management as a key strategy to stop its advance.
MASLD is a liver disease characterized by accumulation of fat in the liver in people who do not consume large amounts of alcohol. Previously known as NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), MASLD reflects a change in nomenclature to recognize its more direct relationship with metabolic disorderssuch as obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
The factors that increase the risk of developing MASLD They are mainly those related to lifestyle and metabolic conditions. Among them are:
- Obesity, especially excess abdominal fat.
- Sedentary lifestyle or lack of regular physical activity.
- Insulin resistance, which can trigger type 2 diabetes.
- Unhealthy diet, rich in refined sugars and saturated fats.
If not handled properly, MASLD can progress to steatohepatitis (inflammation of the liver due to accumulated fat), which in turn can lead to liver cirrhosis and increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Additionally, people with MASLD are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, as liver inflammation can generate a chain of effects that affects both the liver and the cardiovascular system.
Sleep and liver health They are more interrelated than previously thought. The study of the University of Basel yielded relevant results on how sleep disorders can affect patients with MASLD. In particular, the researchers identify that the fragmented dream is strongly associated with an increased risk of liver disease progression.
The analysis showed that patients with MASLD experience frequent interruptions in sleepwhich prevents them from reaching the deepest and most restorative phases of it. Unlike healthy individuals, those with this liver disease appear to suffer more frequent nighttime awakeningswhich directly impacts sleep quality and metabolic processes. This phenomenon may be a contributing factor to insulin resistance, a key factor in the progression of MASLD.
Los disorders in the sleep-wake cycleo circadian rhythm dysregulationwere also a constant in MASLD patients. This imbalance not only affects the quality of sleep, but can interfere with the functions of liver metabolism. When the biological clock is alteredthe body has more difficulty processing fats correctly, which promotes accumulation in the liver.
Compared to a group of healthy individuals, patients with MASLD presented more irregular sleep patterns and lower quality. In addition to frequent interruptions, patients with MASLD reported feeling less rested upon waking, which can aggravate fatigue and general malaisefactors that also affect metabolic well-being.
Improving sleep quality in people with MASLD not only contributes to overall well-being, but could also have positive effects on liver disease progression. There are several strategies that could be useful to counteract the effects of fragmented sleep in these patients.
One of the most effective approaches could be sleep hygiene educationwhich includes a number of healthy habits such as maintaining a regular bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and making sure the bedroom environment is free of distractions. These recommendations can help improve the quality of sleep, favoring its continuity and increasing the likelihood that patients will reach their goals. deeper and more restorative phases of rest.
In some cases, the use of therapies such as phototherapy (exposure to light at specific times of the day) could help regulate the circadian rhythm and improve the synchronization of the sleep-wake cycle. Furthermore, the psychological counseling to manage stress and anxiety, which often aggravate sleep disorders, may also be beneficial.
It is important for patients with MASLD to receive regular monitoring of their liver health and sleep disorders. Technologies such as actigraphy, which measures sleep and activity patterns, can be helpful in monitoring improvements and adjusting treatments when necessary.
The implementation of these strategies, together with a multidisciplinary approachcould represent a significant step in the comprehensive management of MASLD, improving patients’ quality of life and helping to prevent progression to more severe stages of the disease.
