The Interplay between Sleep Disorders and MASLD: A Mini Review - Abstract
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known As Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease closely linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. While metabolic dysfunction is a well-established driver of MASLD pathogenesis, emerging evidence highlights a significant association between MASLD and sleep disorders, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), insomnia, and circadian misalignment. Sleep disturbances contribute to disease progression through multiple mechanisms, including chronic intermittent hypoxia, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and dysregulated lipid and glucose metabolism, all of which promote hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Given the growing recognition of these
interactions, targeted interventions addressing sleep disturbances may represent a novel therapeutic approach in MASLD management. This review synthesizes the available data on the relationship between MASLD and sleep disorders, elucidating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical implications, and emerging therapeutic strategies.