Effects Of Acute Sleep Deprivation On The Vascular Endothelial Function In Healthy Subjects

Abstract

Sleep deprivation (SD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, less is known about the early effects of acute sleep deprivation on the vascular endothelial function. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on the vascular endothelial function determined by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and the profile of mood states in healthy subjects. METHODS: Seven healthy recreationally active adult males were studied under two experimental trials on at six separate days. The brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured using a volume-plethysmographic apparatus in the supine position. In order to measure FMD, the forearm cuff inflation to 50 mmHg over their SBP for five minutes and subsequent deflation were performed. The measurements of the right brachial artery diameter were taken using a high-resolution ultrasound device. The FMD was then estimated as the percent change in the arterial diameter over the baseline value at maximal dilation during reactive hyperemia. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) test was also applied for the subjects. All measurements were obtained after a night with regular sleep (RS) and after a night with SD. RESULTS: Both of the SBP and DBP after SD were significantly higher compared with those after RS (117.0±15.8 vs. 108.8±9.9 mmHg, 64.4±12.5 vs. 58.7±5.5 mmHg, p<0.05). The FMD was significantly lower after SD compared with RS (5.17±1.25 vs. 7.01±2.25 %, p<0.05). The tension-anxiety(4.9±3.2 vs. 2.0±2.8), depression (3.4±3.1 vs. 0.7±1.1), anger-hostility (2.4±2.3 vs. 0.1±0.3), fatigue (11.9±4.2 vs. 2.9±3.6), and confusion (6.1±4.5 vs. 2.0±2.0) scores were significantly higher after SD compared with RD (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Even one night of sleep deprivation appears to elevate negative mood states and to cause vascular endothelial dysfunction. These findings support the idea that optimal sleep may be an important factors for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.