Sleep architecture when sleeping at an unusual circadian time and associations with insulin sensitivity

H.K. Gonnissen*, C. Mazuy, F. Rutters, E. Martens, T.C. Adam, M.S. Westerterp-Plantenga

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Circadian misalignment affects total sleep time, but it may also affect sleep architecture. The objectives of this study were to examine intra-individual effects of circadian misalignment on sleep architecture and inter-individual relationships between sleep stages, cortisol levels and insulin sensitivity. Thirteen subjects (7 men, 6 women, age: 24.3+/-2.5 y; BMI: 23.6+/-1.7 kg/m(2)) stayed in a time blinded respiration chamber during three light-entrained circadian cycles (3x21h and 3x27h) resulting in a phase advance and a phase delay. Sleep was polysomnographically recorded. Blood and salivary samples were collected to determine glucose, insulin and cortisol concentrations. Intra-individually, a phase advance decreased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and slow-wave sleep (SWS), increased time awake, decreased sleep and REM sleep latency compared to the 24h cycle. A phase delay increased REM sleep, decreased stage 2 sleep, increased time awake, decreased sleep and REM sleep latency compared to the 24h cycle. Moreover, circadian misalignment changed REM sleep distribution with a relatively shorter REM sleep during the second part of the night. Inter-individually, REM sleep was inversely associated with cortisol levels and HOMA-IR index. Circadian misalignment, both a phase advance and a phase delay, significantly changed sleep architecture and resulted in a shift in rem sleep. Inter-individually, shorter REM sleep during the second part of the night was associated with dysregulation of the HPA-axis and reduced insulin sensitivity. Trial Registration: International Clinical Trials Registry Platform NTR2926 http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/
Original languageEnglish
Article number72877
Number of pages8
JournalPLOS ONE
Volume8
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Aug 2013

Keywords

  • SLOW-WAVE SLEEP
  • HEALTHY-MEN
  • HUMANS
  • METABOLISM
  • HORMONE
  • GLUCOSE
  • ADOLESCENTS
  • WAKEFULNESS
  • PROPENSITY
  • PROTEIN

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