IMPACT OF SLEEP DISORDERS ON BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG THE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes. Inadequate or irregular sleep has been linked to disruption of metabolic homeostasis. This study investigates the association between sleep disorders and various biochemical parameters among healthy young adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 university students aged 18–30 years. Participants were categorized into normal sleep and disordered sleep groups based on self-reported sleep quality and duration over the past week. Biochemical markers analyzed were fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, lipid profile, cortisol, and inflammatory markers.
Results: Participants with disordered sleep showed significantly higher levels of FBG (102.6 ± 10.1 mg/dL vs. 90.2 ± 8.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001), insulin (11.1 ± 3.0 µU/mL vs. 7.5 ± 2.3 µU/mL, p < 0.01), HOMA-IR, cortisol, triglycerides, and ghrelin. Conversely, leptin and HDL were significantly lower in the disordered sleep group.
Conclusion: Sleep disorders are associated with adverse alterations in biochemical parameters, even among young, non-obese individuals. Promoting sleep hygiene could play a preventive role in early metabolic dysregulation.