Measuring sleep (ir)regularity: Current metrics and applications

Kurzfassung

The pressures of modern society contribute to a range of health outcomes, and poorer sleep. In particular, a rapidly developing body of literature is highlighting the prevalence and consequences of sleep irregularity. Recent evidence suggests that irregular sleep to be the one of the three most influential sleep variables associated with mortality, alongside the Apnoea Hypopnoea Index, and sleep duration. Historically, sleep health guidelines have focused on maintaining optimal sleep duration and treating common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea; however accumulating evidence shows that maintaining regular sleep patterns may be just as important for health. For example, a recent large population based study found irregular sleep to be the one of the three most influential sleep variables associated with mortality, alongside the AHI and sleep duration. Other recent work in the field has shown irregular sleep patterns are more strongly associated with cardiovascular disease and mental health outcomes relative to sleep duration. The National Sleep Health Foundation recently published a review and consensus statement in 2023 highlighting the importance of sleep regularity on health and performance and the need for individuals to optimise sleep regularity. This symposium will bring together internationally recognised and emerging leaders in sleep irregularity to discuss the latest evidence about the adverse effects of irregular sleep patterns. Carefully selected for diversity across gender, career stage, and location, speakers in this symposium will cover broad insights into sleep irregularity - from big data through to clinical samples. The growing relevance of sleep (ir)regularity for public health messaging and for clinical practice will be considered.