Sleep disturbance, hypnotic agents, and cardiovascular diseases

Aims: We aim to investigate whether hypnotic agents, the major medication for sleep disturbance, improve the cardiovascular outcome of sleep disturbance.
Scientific rationale: Sleep is an essential regulated state of decreased activity and alertness. Sleep disturbance, or insomnia, is one of the most prevalent health concerns in the population and in clinical practice, affecting up to 20% of population worldwide. Previous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that sleep disturbance as well as both short and long sleep duration are associated with cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality. Currently, cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and hypnotic agents remain the mainstay of sleep disturbance. However, it remains unknown whether hypnotic agents improve the cardiovascular outcome of patients with sleep disturbance.
Project duration: 36 months
Public health impact: our study will provide deeper insight into the health impact of sleep, and pathophysiological role of hypnotic agents, which will further contribute to the management of sleep disturbance.