Sleep Fragmentation and Atherosclerosis: is There a Relationship?

Sleep fragmentation refers to the disruption of sleep architecture with poor quality of sleep despite optimal duration of sleep. Sleep fragmentation has been shown to have multiple effects on different body systems. This article reviews the effect of sleep fragmentation on the rate of atherosclerosis which has been linked to comorbidities like myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary artery disease with an aim to educate patients regarding the importance of sleep hygiene and to incorporate a good amount and quality of sleep as life style modification along with diet and exercise. Copyright 2021 by the Missouri State Medical Association.