OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effects of sleep duration and sleep disorders on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in older adults and provided a scientific basis for the development of targeted health management strategies.

METHODS

The present study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database of older adults from 2005 to 2014 and included 4,731 participants. The assessment of sleep duration and sleep disorders was conducted using the “Sleep Disorders” questionnaire, while the diagnosis of MASLD was determined based on the fatty liver index and cardiometabolic criteria. The relationship between sleep duration, sleep disorders, and MASLD was analyzed using logistic regression modeling, and the dose-response relationship between sleep duration and MASLD was explored using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. Furthermore, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the association between sleep disorders and MASLD across diverse population characteristics.

RESULTS

The study indicated that individuals who slept less than six hours per night exhibited a 21% higher prevalence of MASLD than those who slept six to eight hours. Notably, the prevalence increased substantially, by 38%, in individuals who slept more than eight hours per night. The presence of sleep disorders in individuals was found to be associated with a 2.38-fold elevated prevalence of MASLD compared to those without sleep disorders. Furthermore, the RCS analysis revealed a non-linear relationship between sleep duration and MASLD, indicating an overall “U”-shaped trend with a turning point at 7 h. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the association remained significant in all subgroups except those with low education levels and stroke patients.

CONCLUSION

The present study found that short or long sleep duration and the presence of sleep disorders were significantly associated with MASLD in older adults. The result provides a rationale for the prevention of MASLD in the elderly population. The study suggests that clinical practice should focus on the potential value of sleep assessment in managing metabolic liver disease.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.