Sleep apnea is strongly associated with atrial fibrillation.
However, even after adjusting for sleep apnea, quality of sleep is an independent predictor for atrial fibrillation. Here is the full article:
Article summary : The 2 variables that correlated with increased risk of AFIB – time required to fall asleep and frequent nighttime awakening. This decreases REM sleep. Likely mechanism – sympathetic surge with frequent awakenings and increased vagal tone as a result of decreased REM sleep.
My mentors Dr. Jackman and Dr. Scherlag have proven that an adrenergic surge in the presence of high vagal tone is how the autonomic nervous system plays a role in promoting atrial fibrillation.
There was a 36% increase in risk of AFIB with poor sleep quality. Sleep duration did not correlate with AFIB. However previous studies have shown that less than 7 hours of sleep per night may increase risk of death.
For every standard deviation percentage decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep there was a 18% higher risk of developing AF.
Adopt sleep hygeine today to reduce risk of developing atrial fibrillation.